Simple rites set for EDSA 1 anniversary

MANILA, Philippines - The nation will mark the 29th anniversary of the first EDSA People Power revolution in simple ceremonies on Feb. 24 and 25, an official said yesterday.

In a press briefing at Malacañang, Commissioner Emily Abrera of the EDSA People Power Commission (EPPC) said the simple rites did not have anything to do with coup d’etat rumors and rallies calling for justice for the fallen police commandos because they were planned as early as two months ago.

She said even the theme, “Ipagpatuloy ang Pagbabago,” had been decided early last year.

Last year, President Aquino led the celebration in Cebu City; Cateel, Davao Oriental, which was hit by Typhoon Pablo; Loon, Bohol, which was devastated by an earthquake in October 2013; Bantayan Island, also in Cebu and then Leyte and Samar provinces, which were ravaged by Super Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.

According to Abrera, it requires a certain amount of money to be able to carry out programs related to the Filipinos’ bloodless uprising against a dictator and they prefer to save the funds for the 30th anniversary celebration to make it national in scope. 

On Feb. 24, Abrera said there would be a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City to honor all past heroes.

Aquino will lead the awarding of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañang Palace, Abrera said. These youth organizations exemplify the spirit of people power and bayanihan (shoulder-to-shoulder) through their various programs and projects. 

Abrera said on Feb. 25, there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at the People Power Monument and a mass at the EDSA Shrine to be officiated by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle.

Aquino and the rest of the First Family will be invited as guests of honor for the activities and groups and individuals who peacefully fought for freedom and democracy will also be in attendance, Abrera said.

She also said that from Feb. 20 to March 8, the EPPC and Ballet Philippines will run a Filipino superhero musical at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ main theater called “Manhid: A Filipino Superhero Musical Dance Drama” that is set to rock music.

“It tells a tale of an alternate of present-day Philippines where people’s power revolution did not take place. Now, this rock musical is intended to capture the imagination of…a younger audience…(who) may have a harder time relating to something that happened, of course, 29 years ago before they were even born,” she said.