Maria Lorena Barros was an activist and feminist during the 1960s to 1970s when Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos Sr. rose into power and controlled the government with “authoritarian” approaches. She was born on March 18th, 1948 in Baguio City, Philippines. Her father, Romeo Barros, died when she was a child so Maria spent her years living with her mother, Alicia Morelos. Known as Laurie, she graduated from the University of the Philippines as an anthropology major. Not only was she a poet and a writer, but Barros was also an activist who became deeply involved with student activism in the late ’60s. Joining groups such as SDK Samahang Demokratiko ng Kabataan, translated as the Democratic Association of the Youth, Barros went on trips to rural areas. It helped her understand how the Marcos government had harmed many people through capitalism, colonization, and imperialism. As a result, Barros and a few other activists had set out to fight for the liberation of Filipino people and women’s rights. They all made progress with the MAKIBAKA (Malayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan or Free Movement of New Women) founded in April 1970, with Barros as one of the co-founders. The influence of MAKIBAKA spread as branches were placed in numerous towns and villages. Many people began to address the struggles of women in society and were devoted to finding a solution. Barros soon became one of the activists accused of subversion after the government declared Martial Law in September 1972. Forced to go into hiding, she left MAKIBAKA and spent her time joining the New People's Army and starting a family. However, a year later, Barros was caught and arrested in November 1973 but was able to escape. She continued to fight against the government dictatorship using poems, essays, and songs. Barros was again arrested in March 1976 and attempted to fight her way through but it caused her to become injured which led to her death. She never once gave in to surrender or wanted to cooperate with the government. Maria Lorean Barros was determined to fight for women and liberation for the oppressed to her very last breath.

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