Yesterday, February 25 was the modest celebration of the 35th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution amidst the ongoing pandemic. February 25th is the culmination of a 4-day peaceful political rally that ousted then President Ferdinand Marcos from his 20-year rule.
In an interview with Manila Standard, former President Fidel V. Ramos, one of the major characters in this revolution and fondly called FVR by many said, “ The 1986 EDSA Revolution remains a resplendent moment for it represents the best of Filipinos. We made history thirty-five years ago today where more than one million Filipinos gathered peacefully to oust a dictatorship through a bloodless revolt.”
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The celebration of the event held at People Power Monument in EDSA was preceded by several webinars to remember and discuss the effects of the revolution after 3 decades and its relevance to the youth.
Prior to the celebration, in the homily delivered by papal nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown at the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace, he said “Justice is the foundation of peace in society. When there is no justice, when people can’t receive justice, they react in violent ways. One cannot separate peace from justice. Peace is the product of justice. So, whenever we can promote justice in society, we are promoting peace.”
Though the EDSA Revolution on hindsight may elicit varied reactions especially from those who have seen it from another point of view, this remains to date one of the biggest effort a nation has done to find peace. And although some may question the ongoing relevance of People Power, the most important point will always be the fact that we can – without fear of being silenced forever.
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References:
https://manilastandard.net/index.php/news/national/347936/edsa-people-power-marks-35th-anniversary.html
https://www.ucanews.com/news/philippines-marks-35th-people-power-revolution-anniversary/91551#
https://www.rappler.com/moveph/edsa-people-power-anniversary-protests-activities-2021