UST, DLSU suspend classes on EDSA Day

MANILA, Philippines — The Marcos administration may have made the EDSA people power revolution anniversary a working day, but some universities in Metro Manila will be keeping their campuses empty on Feb. 25 to allow students, faculty and staff to join events commemorating the occasion.

In an advisory, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) announced the suspension of classes and work on Feb. 25 to commemorate the 39th anniversary of the EDSA revolt.

Students have been encouraged to participate in activities commemorating the occasion. The university also prepared worship and prayer activities, academic discussions and cultural activities for the people power anniversary.

“As we commemorate the EDSA people power revolution, we are reminded of the power of unity, courage and peaceful action. Let us stand united and never forget that true power lies in the collective will of the people, and it is our responsibility to uphold the values of integrity, justice and freedom for generations to come,” the Office of the UST secretary general said in a memo.

De La Salle University had also announced that Feb. 25 would be an “alternative learning day” and canceled classes and work on all DLSU campuses to encourage students, faculty and staff to participate in activities that commemorate the revolt.

“Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in activities commemorating the event during this alternative learning day. All campuses shall remain open for the holding of alternative activities,” DLSU said.

De La Salle Araneta University said suspending classes and work in DLSU campuses was intended to protect the significance of “this pivotal event in our nation’s history.”

“Although the government has declared this day a special working holiday, it is our conviction that the Lasallian community should have the opportunity to reflect on the values and sacrifices that defined People Power,” La Salle Araneta’s Office of the Chancellor said in a statement.

“We encourage everyone to engage in initiatives that foster historical awareness and civic engagement, both within and beyond the classroom. Take time to reflect on the message and importance of this occasion. Happy People Power Day, Lasallians!” it added.

While it has yet to announce whether it would suspend classes or not, Ateneo de Manila University has announced a university mass on Feb. 25 and a procession and rosary recitation before the mass to commemorate the anniversary.

Students, faculty and staff were urged to wear yellow, white or blue.

While the anniversary was declared a special working day this year, critics remain opposed to what they view as attempts to diminish the significance of the occasion, which marks the ouster of President Marcos’ father, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., after over a decade of martial law.