Reflecting on 40 Years of EDSA People Power: A Nation's Call to Action
As the Philippines, a nation of free people with restored dignity, solemnly commemorates the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, we journey back in memory to the historic Epifanio de los Santos Avenue. It was here that millions gathered in faith, prayer, and unwavering determination to reclaim their freedom from dictatorship. This pivotal moment stands as a testament to the power of peaceful resistance and collective will.
The Sacred Memory of EDSA
We recall the resonant voice of Radio Veritas, which called the nation to conscience, alongside the moral leadership of Cardinal Jaime Sin and the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). The decisive stand of reformist soldiers, who chose loyalty to the Constitution over allegiance to a regime, was instrumental in this historic event. EDSA has been described as a "Rosary miracle," a triumph where ordinary citizens, families, religious leaders, civil society members, students, and youth leaders stood bravely between tanks and violence. This memory is sacred not only for the freedom it regained but because it reminds us that the great power of the people surpasses any force of oppression.
Urgent Lessons for Today's Democracy
Forty years later, the lessons of EDSA remain critically urgent. Democracy is never self-sustaining; it demands constant vigilance, active participation, and fidelity to truth. Governance must be anchored in accountability, respect for human rights, transparency, and service to the common good. The government is called to reflect on public leadership in the light of EDSA's moral vision, ensuring that institutions defend freedoms rather than erode them, and that public office is exercised with prudence and unstained integrity.
Forgetting the lessons of Martial Law, tolerating corruption, or allowing historical distortion and disinformation to prevail jeopardizes the very freedoms that were peacefully won. In response, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) and the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Catholic Education (ECCE) have issued a powerful call to action.
Educational and Civic Initiatives
CEAP and CBCP-ECCE urge Catholic schools and educational institutions to declare February 25 as an academic holiday for reflection, commemoration, and civic formation. Schools are encouraged to organize:
- Masses to honor the spirit of EDSA.
- Youth forums focused on upholding truth and fighting for justice.
- Other meaningful activities that nurture ethical discernment, critical thinking, and active citizenship.
Students and youth, as heirs of democratic space, must cultivate the knowledge, values, and resolve to challenge injustice, misinformation, and authoritarian tendencies. This educational push is vital for sustaining democratic principles in future generations.
A Collective Call to All Sectors
The commemoration extends beyond education, calling upon various sectors to uphold EDSA's legacy:
- Civil Society and Media: Human rights advocates and organizations must continue guarding civil liberties, while media practitioners are urged to defend press freedom and truthful reporting as pillars against abuse of power.
- Military and Police: They are called to remain loyal in their constitutional duty to protect the people and uphold the law.
- Business Leaders: Economic stakeholders are encouraged to champion transparency, ethical practices, and inclusive growth.
- Families and Communities: They play a crucial role in teaching the next generation values of unity, nonviolence, and principled engagement.
- Legislative Bodies: Congress and the Senate are urged to act decisively against political dynasties, dismantle massive corruption in government, and commit to people empowerment through sustainable investment in education.
EDSA as an Unfinished Movement
EDSA is not merely a commemoration; it is an unfinished movement that demands vigilance, active participation, and collective resolve from all sectors. To honor it authentically is to combat revisionism, defend democratic principles, and build a nation where justice, dignity, and peace are lived realities. May the spirit of People Power continue to guide us in shaping a future worthy of the sacrifice, faith, and moral courage that defined EDSA forty years ago.
