The Philippines marks its first EDSA commemoration under the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He is the son of the President ousted by the original EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986 and a frequent apologist of his misgivings. Have Filipinos completely forgotten about EDSA and what it meant for the country?
Here’s what Filipino humanists from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have to say about the EDSA People Power Revolution.
Angelo (Batangas, Luzon) – I believe in the power of bloodless revolution and the change it can magnify against brutalist and oppressive political institutions. EDSA is a constant reminder of the Filipino people’s power to challenge the status quo.
Angie (Metro Manila, Luzon) – The People Power Revolution was one of the few and rare moments in Philippine history when Filipinos from all walks of life and different backgrounds joined together in order to fight for what they believed in. They knew what they wanted and what they deserved as a nation. They were not afraid to fight for change.
Edgar (Cebu, Visayas) – EDSA, to me, was a significant event that reshaped our nation. On that day, Filipinos bared their souls in protest against a dictatorial government. By bloodlessly ending the conflict, they brought democracy back to the Philippines and reminded every Filipino that we have the power to shape our country if we put our minds to fixing it.
Francine (Bacolod, Visayas) – EDSA was a significant national event that will always hold a special place in the hearts and minds of every Filipino. For me, it symbolized our growth by demonstrating the true power of democracy to the rest of the world. It was the strength and courage of those people who assembled in EDSA that restored the Philippines’ democracy and created a lasting change.
Glemir (Bacolod, Visayas) – For me, EDSA used to be a moment in history so significant that even foreign countries and people regard it as an inspiring event. As I grew up, it became more of a symbol – one of peace, reform, and revolution that Filipinos should continue to commemorate and learn from.
Johnny (Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao) – The EDSA People Power Revolution was a wake-up call not just to Philippine politics and the local military but to the world. It showed that people from all walks of life can stand up for their freedom when their government oppresses them. The bloodless gathering of millions of Filipinos from all walks of life signaled the end of a dictatorship and ushered in a new era of freedom and democracy.
Junelie (Dumaguete, Visayas) – EDSA, to me, is an opportunity to listen to stories and help conserve them. Contrary to popular belief, those who lived through the Marcos dictatorship until the EDSA revolution did not just belong to two camps; some were just as confused as we are today, and others were so stricken by the destructive policies that they didn’t have the energy to care anymore. However mild their hardships may be, they reflect just how truly dark the Marcos dictatorship was.
Kryshia (Cebu, Visayas) – To me, it’s a demonstration that people have the power to stand up for what is right and what they deserve, especially in circumstances where they’re being oppressed. As a protest, it was powerful enough to make a change for the good of all Filipinos.
Maria Louizza (Misamis Oriental, Mindanao) – Filipinos thronged EDSA over two decades ago to call for democracy and freedom. People across the world were inspired by the courageous and tenacious demonstration of nonviolent protest on the streets of Manila. EDSA reminds me of the strength and perseverance of the Filipino people. It signifies their tenacity in the midst of prejudice and injustice and has come to embody the hopes and dreams of the Filipino people.
Maui (Cavite, Luzon) – People Power was never a weaponization of the people. It was a move to bring back the democracy and power that was snatched by a dictator from Filipinos. It was a movement that changed a country’s entire trajectory, the tipping point of a bloody regime.
Mutya (Metro Manila, Luzon) – When I was young, I conflated the concept of EDSA with the celebration of my birthday (as both fell on the same date). But as I grew up and learned our history, EDSA became a celebration of independence so important not just to me, who benefits from [its impact] now, but to the entire people of the Philippines.
Shane (Antique, Visayas) – To me, EDSA was a sign of hope for the country more than anything else. It showed that despite suffocating under the heel of a dictatorship for twenty years, hope was not only alive for Filipinos, but it was strong enough to prevail. I would like to think that that flame is still burning today, and that it could lead Filipinos out of the darkness once more.
Shawn (Metro Manila, Luzon) – For me, EDSA was a momentous occasion that will always have a particular place in every Filipino’s thoughts and heart. It represents how Filipinos can unite to fight for change because they are aware of what is right and what they deserve to have, namely freedom and democracy.
These diverse voices from all around the country may word it differently, but they mean to say the same thing: EDSA is an important part of who we are as a country today. For some, it is a historic day that restored the country’s democracy, while for others, it is more of a display of Filipino unity and heroism against corruption, dictatorship, and abuses.
Whatever EDSA might mean to you, we hope that you will continue to be inspired by the spirit of democracy, coming together, and people power; that you will continue to remember that not so long ago, two million Filipinos stood up to rebuild the country from massive corruption and abuses; and above all, that their sacrifice and achievement are not worth wasting.
