Filipino People Power 1986
Our son Karlo was still in my womb but he joined his sister Aiko, Papa Orly, and I at EDSA , February of 1986. Our eldest Aiko was not yet 2 then but she remembers well greeting everyone else with the L-sign formed by her tiny fingers! She also joined everyone else chant " laban, laban, laban" although completely unaware that she and her still to be born brother would be part of that 1986 historic event - the 1986 February Revolution.
On hindsight, the L-sign did not only mean "laban (fight!)." Those who joined the millions at EDSA experienced a fiesta, rather than an armed confrontation. L stood for lakas - the strength and courage of Filipinos who were ready to risk their lives rather than continue to be ruled by a conjugal dictatorship. The military threat was real - the abusive power-driven sent tanks, planes, and troops to suppress the protesters. Flowers offered by nuns literally stopped the tanks from advancing; the sight of millions of kababayans persuaded the pilots and troops to side with the people rather than with the oppressors.
Upon later and deeper reflection, the L-sign went beyond "laban" at EDSA. Those in Edsa knew the "L" stood for liberty, for life, for love - freedom from abuse, corruption, unauthorized control, the L stood for a better life for all, and love, rather than fear.
Those at EDSA experienced a revolution, not an armed struggle, but a revolution, a conversion of heart. Those in EDSA were ready to risk their lives so that those after them, especially our children, would wake up to a new day of freedom, of change, of a better tomorrow.
The love was palpable all over EDSA - rather than a revolution, those at EDSA witnessed a happy fiesta, a very joyous, festive atmosphere where everyone shared whatever they had with all other participants. Despite the millions of people and countless vehicles, movement went smoothly, traffic effectively managed because everyone tried to follow the volunteer traffic enforcers, because everyone patiently and generously allowed others to move ahead - no rush, no tailgating, no noisy abrasive honking! No one went hungry as well as sharing was the beautiful practice at EDSA - everyone witnessed true multiplication of loaves and fish in their midst. Despite the real and imminent military danger, there was music and singing and laughter!
Filipino people power was a beautiful, unique legacy to the rest of the world and our future generations. Power emanated from a united people. Power emanated from those who experienced a change of heart - from fear and political chains to faith and collective courage and hope.
Faith was palpable. With God and Mama Mary, the Filipinos in EDSA believed, like David, that the Goliath dictatorship could be toppled and defeated.
February 1986 was a glorious, victorious moment for all Filipinos! The dictator fled, leaders came and went, yet the EDSA dream of liberty from abuse and corruption and poverty sadly is still nowhere in sight! Why?
Filipinos forgot that the people power at EDSA had to move together in harmony with leaders until their goal - real liberation from abuse, from corruption, from inequality - was achieved. The goal can only be reached with Filipino people power, united in sustainable movement until their dream truly becomes a reality for all, especially the younger, future generations. People power started in the changed hearts of millions of Filipinos then. Where are those millions? Where are those millions who need to work together to have an EDSA-like community all over our land? Where are the leaders who walked with and for the people for genuine change for all?
We saw glimpses of people power in the anti-pork barrel movement. We know that our people are always ready to unite for change. That Filipino people power, however, has to remain united, consolidated, harnessed effectively and sustainably in participative governance to reach the goal of a better, freer life for all.
While we remember our February 1986 people power at EDSA, we need to extend and sustain and harness that united power to construct together the society and country we all desire to live in.
- Latest
