The Young Christian Workers of the Philippines (YCW Philippines) pays its highest tribute to Reynaldo “Ka Rey” Sumayo (1949–2025) — a militant leader, a committed organizer, and a servant of the working class. Ka Rey was remembered by his comrades in the 1970s as a charismatic and jolly young man who once dreamed of becoming a priest. But instead of the priesthood, he chose a different kind of mission — to stand with workers and build a movement for justice and dignity. He began his journey with YCW in the Cainta chapter, organizing among self-employed workers who made native delicacies. His leadership grew as he became part of the YCW-NCR Federation in the 1980s, where he served as a leader-educator and organizer. Together with other militant leaders, he built the strength of service sector workers in Fair Center, Gilson, Camara, and Shoe World, and expanded organizing work in factories like CPI, Stafford, and Maxima.

After his mandate in YCW, Ka Rey continued his commitment to the labor movement, rising through the ranks of the National Federation of Labor and eventually serving as National President of the National Federation of Workers’ Unions (NFWU), a pioneering federation of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU). His life is a living testament to the power of collective struggle and unwavering dedication to workers’ rights.

We honor Ka Rey not only for what he has done but for the movement he helped build. His legacy burns bright in the fight against low wages, job insecurity, and rampant contractualization that continue to plague the working class today.

Rest in power, Ka Rey. The young workers of today will carry the torch and flame of your struggle — for dignity, decent wages, and the right to organize. Your legacy lives on in every picket line, in every struggle, and in every young militant worker who dares to fight.