Manila, May 19, 2026. Friends of the Cuban people in the Philippines paid tribute to José Martí and laid a floral offering at the park where his statue stands, on the 131st anniversary of his death in combat.
The poem they recited in Spanish was beautiful, evoking that they too cultivate a white rose for a true friend.
The commemoration became a public act of support for the Cuban Revolution, in which, carrying signs and with microphones in hand, they condemned any U.S. military aggression against Cuba and demanded the elimination of the genocidal blockade, reminding everyone that Cuba is not alone!
They also demanded: Hands off Cuba! Let Cuba live!
It was very gratifying to see Filipino doctors who graduated in Cuba, the new generations of solidary friends, and the members of the Friendship Associations, AMISTAD, PHILCUBA, PCFS, raising their voices in defense of the just cause of the Cuban people and their right to live in peace, in our free and sovereign land.