Joel Virador facts for kids

Joel G. Virador (March 5, 1967 – May 7, 2019) was a Filipino leader who worked for human rights. He was an activist and a politician. He served as a representative for the Bayan Muna party in the 12th and 13th Congresses of the Philippines.

Early Life and Learning

Joel Virador was born on March 5, 1967. His hometown was Kidapawan, Cotabato. His family came from Bohol.

He went to Notre Dame of Kidapawan College. He studied there for elementary, high school, and college. In 1987, he earned a degree in Accounting. While in college, he was a student leader. He led the League of Filipino Students. He also helped lead the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) in Cotabato.

Working for Human Rights

After college, Joel Virador became a volunteer. He worked at the Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP). This group helps people who are held unfairly. From 1987 to 1995, he was a regional director for TFDP.

In 1995, he joined another group called Karapatan. He worked as its secretary-general for five years. Karapatan also works to protect human rights. In 2000, he became a spokesperson for Bayan Muna. He spoke for the party in Southern Mindanao. Joel Virador always stood up for what he believed was right.

Political Career

Joel Virador became involved in politics. He was chosen as a nominee for Bayan Muna in the 2001 elections. This meant he could become a representative.

On November 7, 2003, he became a representative in Congress. He took a seat for the Bayan Muna party. In Congress, he gave speeches about important issues. He talked about military exercises in Mindanao. He also spoke about human rights problems. He highlighted issues like land for farmers.

In 2004, he was nominated again for the elections. He won a seat in the 13th Congress of the Philippines. During this time, he focused on many topics. He worked on issues for indigenous peoples and the Moros. He also cared about the environment. He helped with issues about farming and women's rights. He was a leader in the Mindanao Affairs Committee.

Bayan Muna often disagreed with the government at the time. They spoke out against problems like corruption. They also raised concerns about human rights. During a difficult time in 2006, several representatives faced challenges. Joel Virador and five others became known as the Batasan 6. They continued to stand up for their beliefs.

Family Life

Joel Virador was married to Imelda Lumayag-Virador. She was also an activist and a member of Bayan Muna. They had two children. Their daughter was named Joanna Paula Vasig. Their son was named Harvey Rafael Virador.

His Passing

Joel Virador passed away on May 7, 2019. He was at Brokenshire Hospital in Davao City. He had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2013.