By: Nicole Llanderal
Artwork by: Eah Marie Dino /The LANCE
As the Philippines marks the 39th Anniversary of EDSA People Power Revolution on February 25, 2025, Catholic schools nationwide are taking a stand by suspending classes. Among these institutions is Colegio de San Juan de Letran - Manila, Bataan, Calamba, Manaoag campuses uniting as ONE LETRAN to honor this pivotal moment in history which saw millions of Filipinos rise against the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in 1986.
The Brief History of EDSA People Power Revolution
The EDSA Revolution, also known as the People Power Revolution, was a series of peaceful protests that occurred from February 22 to 25, 1986. The revolution rooted from the oppressive governance under Marcos’ regime which began with his declaration of Martial Law in 1972. This enabled the censorship of media and arrest of political opponents marking a period characterized by widespread corruption and human rights abuses. The assassination of opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. in 1983 even fueled the flames of revolution.
The immediate catalyst for the revolution was the snap elections held on February 7, 1986 that were widely perceived as fraudulent due to allegations of vote-buying and ballot-stuffing. Corazon Aquino, the opposition leader and widow of Ninoy, initially planned to boycott the elections but eventually participated due to public pressure.
As tensions escalated, millions of Filipinos united on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Metro Manila to demand Marcos’ resignation. The protests were notable for their peaceful nature because people used prayers and non-violent resistance as their primary means of protest. The Archbishop of Manila, Cardinal Jaime Sin, played a significant role in mobilizing support for the movement.
On February 25, 1986, Marcos fled to Hawaii, effectively ending his regime after facing overwhelming public pressure and losing support from key military allies. Corazon Aquino was inaugurated as president, symbolizing a return to democracy for the Philippines.
Catholic Schools in Honoring EDSA
Several catholic schools are holding their ground by suspending classes on February 25. Notable institutions such as the University of Santo Tomas (UST), De La Salle University (DLSU), and schools under EDSA-Ortigas Consortium (EDSOR) including Immaculate Conception Academy and Xavier School, are participating in this effort.
“Our schools have agreed to celebrate this date as a special non-working holiday despite Malacañang’s exclusion of this historical event,” EDSOR Consortium stated in a Facebook post. They also encouraged the students and faculty to engage in activities that promote awareness and reflection on democratic values.
The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) has strongly encouraged its member schools to declare February 25 as a non-academic day to emphasize the importance of EDSA for future generations.
The Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP) has also advocated for broader participation of schools nationwide, highlighting that educational institutions should serve as spaces where history and democratic values are actively upheld. This approach aligns with CEAP’s broader goal to combat historical distortion and uphold the principles of truth and justice within educational institutions.
On February 25, schools plan various activities designed to promote a deeper understanding of democracy and civic responsibility among students. This commitment is underscored by educators like Instr. Carlo Concepcion, College of Education faculty and media and information literacy advocate, who emphasizes the importance of learning from history and integrating its lessons into modern contexts.
Instr. Concepcion highlights the challenge of conveying the significance of EDSA to younger generations amidst the spread of disinformation and the evolving media landscape. He notes, "Hopefully, the challenge now here for those who led that revolution is to communicate in ways that are in sync with what will bring out the interest among the current generation." This requires innovative approaches to education, ensuring that the spirit of EDSA transcends mere historical events and inspires active citizenship.
Furthermore, Instr. Concepcion stresses the need for education to counteract polarization and misinformation. He believes that Letranites should embody their mission and vision statements of being responsive and responsible citizens of the world. This aligns with the broader goal of Catholic schools to preserve the legacy of EDSA as a testament to the power of peaceful resistance and democratic ideals.
By suspending classes and engaging in commemorative activities, Catholic schools reinforce their role as guardians of historical memory and promoters of democratic values. They remind us that the lessons of EDSA are not confined to the past but are essential for building a more just and informed society today.
As Instr. Concepcion remarks, "We are here as contributors to nation building," a mission that requires continuous reflection on the significance of EDSA and its enduring relevance in modern times.
In commemorating this historic event, the lessons learned from EDSA must continue to resonate with new generations, reminding them that democracy is not merely inherited, it must be actively practiced and defended.