Photo courtesy of Gwynette Merano | The LANCE
Four decades after millions of Filipinos filled Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in a historic display of unity and courage, the spirit of People Power Revolution continues to resonate in today’s generation. From a commemorative Colegio Mass on February 24 marking the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, to the official People Power Anniversary on February 25, and the event organized by the Political, Legal, and Social Sciences Area, The Letran Politicvs, and The Letran Legal Management Society on February 26, the Letran community joined the nation in remembering a defining moment in Philippine history.
More than a remembrance of the past, these events serve as a reflection on freedom, democracy, and the enduring power of collective action.
The event titled, “The Fall of the Father, the Rise of the Son: Media, Democratic Memory, and Power 40 years After EDSA” was held at Mabini Hall, bringing together students to reflect on the enduring significance of the People Power Revolution. Director Joel Lamangan delivered the keynote address, recounting how EDSA became a platform for citizens to oust former President Marcos Sr., exposing the injustices of martial law and the stolen wealth amassed while the nation suffered. Lamangan emphasized that the Philippines became the first country in Southeast Asia to remove a dictator through a peaceful rally that was grounded in the people’s belief and determination.
The event also featured a panel discussion that reinforced the idea that People Power is not merely a historical memory or a holiday, but a continuing responsibility to safeguard democracy. Lamangan discussed how EDSA emerged from years of suppressed struggles that could no longer be contained, demonstrating its inherently political nature. Furthermore, he urged participants to actively reclaim democratic spaces today, reminding everyone that power of the people does not end with just remembrance—it lives on through action and collective belief in truth and justice.
Organizing the event was both a challenge and a milestone for the NSTP1A students who mainly led the event. Cedrick Rabano, a first-year Political Science student and the head of the project said, “I feel proud. Of myself, my Co-Head and the whole team behind the event. And to have handled an event as important as the 40th Commemoration of EDSA, was quite the challenge and pressure for my whole class. Especially because this is the first ever event we have hosted.”
Rabano further commended the hard work of the team despite challenges faced along the way, “A lot of us likely had doubts as to if the event would even go through, since we had difficulties finding speakers that were available on the 26th. Still, even with a lot of challenges, we pulled through and I couldn’t be any prouder of the team which had made this event possible. This was truly a learning experience. As Sir Enzo had told me, the experience we gained are ones we will carry with us into our professional careers.”
Learning about People Power is essential, because it teaches that democracy is not given—it is earned and protected. For Rabano, “Democracy is not merely enough to say that our country is “perfect” or even ‘good enough’. It is a continuous effort and EDSA reminds us of that. It showed that true power does not sit in an office. Rather, it rests in the hands of the masses.”
Jude Salut, a third-year Political Science student, further strengthened the idea that since our generation was not alive at the time People Power occurred, EDSA is a reminder of its significance. “We seem to have forgotten, or our current understandings dilute the true spirit of the People Power Revolution, that what happened in EDSA is not meant to be remembered only as a memory recalled every February 25, but as a reminder of what Filipinos are capable of, especially in times of trial and weakness: that we can be strong, that we can raise our voices to be heard, that we can stand firm and face challenges— together.”
Nicole Llanderal, a third-year Legal Management student said, “If it's erased from the history books then what's the point of what we are fighting for in relation to the issues we're experiencing right now.”
Their insights show that understanding People Power goes beyond memorization—it challenges the younger generation to uphold democracy, question injustices, and create change. In this way, People Power becomes a call to action, linking the past with the present and the future.
People Power embodies the ability of ordinary citizens to unite, and challenge injustice. For Rabano, “Power is permission. That ‘power’ is merely legitimacy, one that has its roots in our recognition of said power. A position loses its legitimacy when its authority ceases to be recognized. And who is it that gives them that recognition? The people.” He further highlighted that power is merely permission given by the masses and it is those same masses who can take it back.
For Salut, the meaning of ‘People Power’ is, “the collective strength we have as ordinary citizens, especially when we choose to stand together towards a shared goal or cause. It’s not alive solely for the cause of something as big and revolutionary as what happened in EDSA, but it is also alive when people act together in solidarity in general.”
For Llanderal, “Kung tayo ang bumoboto at nagluluklok sa posisyon ng mga public officials, may kapangyarihan din tayo na paalisin sila sa pwesto kung hindi sila magaling o kinukurakot lang nila ang kaban ng bayan. I believe in the saying that officials work for the people and not the other way around.”
Their perspectives underscore that People Power is fundamentally about accountability and collective responsibility. It is a principle that empowers citizens to grant or withdraw legitimacy from those in authority.
The seminar shifted perspectives by showing that citizens are not passive witnesses to history, but key forces whose choices and actions can redefine a nation’s path. Salut explained how the revolution began with small actions that gradually grew into a collective movement. “I believe citizens play an important role in shaping the present, which eventually becomes the history of the future, and the seminar strengthened my realization that each of us holds the power to create meaningful change, just as Filipinos proved four decades ago,” Salut said.
Furthermore, Llanderal emphasized on how the seminar did not change her perspective but simply added more, “We must continue talking about EDSA dahil nakakalimutan ng mga tao kung gaano kadaming dugo ang dumanak bago natin matamasa ang kalayaan pero parang bumabalik tayo sa nakaraan dahil sa nangyayaring kaguluhan sa bansa natin ngayon. We are so forgiving that we are losing the essence of EDSA and we can't progress as a nation because of corruption.”
Historical movements are sustained not just by extraordinary events, but by ongoing awareness and engagement. It highlights the responsibility of each generation to ensure that the sacrifices of history continue to inspire meaningful action in the face of blatant corruption, injustice, and complacency.
Forty years later, EDSA is no longer just a place—it is a living reminder of what united people can achieve. It tells the story of courage without weapons, of prayers whispered in the face of fear, and of ordinary citizens who chose hope over mere silence.
The commemoration of the People Power Revolution reminds everyone that democracy is not inherited; it is protected, defended, and renewed by each generation.
The true power of EDSA has always resided not in the streets, but in the hearts of the people who believed that change was possible—a power that continues to inspire, awaken, and shape the nation whenever truth, freedom, and justice demand it.