Maya Butalid

Maya Butalid, born in 1957 in Cebu City, Philippines, is a Filipina author, former political activist, migrant advocate, and former city councilor in the Netherlands.

While studying at the University of the Philippines, she became a political activist opposing the Marcos dictatorship. In 1983, she was sent to the Netherlands to continue her activism. After leaving the political movement in 1993, she learned Dutch and earned a master’s degree in psychology from Tilburg.

Throughout her journey, she has reflected on the challenges of living as a migrant, balancing her Filipino identity while embracing her life in the Netherlands. She continues to contribute to the development of the Philippines.