By Glaiza Salanio

Filipinos commemorated the 38th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution all throughout the country on Sunday, February 25.

The commemorative rites to honor the historic event were spearheaded by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) at the People Power Monument in Quezon City.

In addition to this, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also led the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies.

In spite of removal of the EDSA People Power Revolution from the list of holidays for 2024, various groups and organizations still conducted activities such as public exhibits, storytelling events, and protests to remember the history of the event.

The hosts of these demonstrations included the Liberal Party, DAKILA, Mamamayang Liberal, and other non-government organizations around Metro Manila.

Fight for freedom

On the same day in 1986, millions of Filipinos gathered together at the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) to fight for the freedom of the Philippines amidst the dictatorship of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

Filipinos, including nuns, students, activists, and union members, united to reclaim the democracy of the country as they marched along the avenue.

People’s power

Many of those who witnessed this historic event are still alive today, like Mrs. Bendette, 72 years old, who participated in a gathering of Filipinos in Japan during the revolution.

According to her, they were listening to the radio to monitor what was happening to the country while they were abroad.

“We were very concerned, kahit malayo sa bayan. Actually, kapag nasa labas ka ng bayan, mas nararamdaman mo na mahal mo ang bayan,” Mrs. Bendette shared.

“Kahit nasa abroad kami, we want to have freedom in the Philippines, kasi babalik at babalik kami sa Pilipinas,” she added.

Mrs. Bendette also imparted the importance of history and people’s power during the EDSA People Power Revolution, which influenced peaceful revolutions in other countries.

After having an encounter with someone who was not aware of the significance of February 25th, she said that it is even more essential nowadays that we recall the oppressive state that motivated the people to revolt.

Thumbnail from GMA News