Archbishop Calls on Cebuanos to Honor the 40th Edsa Anniversary
In a heartfelt appeal, Archbishop Alberto S. Uy of the Archdiocese of Cebu has outlined three pivotal reasons why every Cebuano should participate in the upcoming 40th anniversary celebration of the Edsa People Power Revolution. Scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 1:45 p.m. at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu, this event serves as a profound reminder of the nation's collective history and values.
Edsa as a Core Part of Our Moral Identity
The Edsa Revolution was far more than a political milestone; it represented a profound moral stand by the Filipino people. Through conscience, prayer, and unity, Filipinos demonstrated that it is possible to reject dictatorship, corruption, and abuse of power without resorting to violence. For Cebuanos, joining this anniversary is a powerful affirmation of enduring beliefs in truth, integrity, and human dignity. Remembering Edsa is not just about looking back—it is about reaffirming who we are as a people and the principles we strive to uphold in our daily lives.
The Ongoing Test of Our Freedom
Forty years after Edsa, the challenges to freedom persist. Corruption, abuse of power, poverty, and fragile trust in institutions remind us that liberty is not a given but a continuous responsibility. The revolution was not the end of the struggle; it marked the beginning of an ongoing duty to protect and renew democracy. By participating in this celebration, Cebuanos make a bold statement against indifference and resignation. It is a call to actively safeguard democratic values in governance, communities, and personal choices, ensuring that the spirit of Edsa lives on in every aspect of society.
Guiding the Next Generation
Our children and youth are keen observers of our actions and memories. If we fail to emphasize the importance of Edsa, we risk normalizing corruption, accepting abuse of power, and promoting silence over courage. Celebrating the 40th anniversary is an opportunity to teach the next generation that freedom comes at a price, values must be defended, and ordinary individuals, when united, can shape the nation's future. It is a lesson in choosing memory over forgetfulness, courage over indifference, and hope over cynicism.
Archbishop Uy concludes with a message of gratitude and unity, urging everyone to stand together for the nation, children, and a hopeful future. This celebration is not just an event but a collective commitment to the ideals that define us as Filipinos.
