Remembering People Power

We keep in mind important dates, people, and events. Whether on a social or personal level. On a personal level, these are occasions, people, and experiences that hold a greater significance for us than they might for others. Yet, for us, these are the days, people, and events that remain vivid in our minds and hearts for a very long time.

We share these, or an even greater and extended level of intensity, with others on a communal level. These are occasions where, for instance, the entire community or race will take pride when they are remembered. Just as in the case of the People Power Revolution, which occurred nearly 40 years ago, many people --especially the young-- might not have been aware of the impact it had on the Philippine history and the Filipino people.        And many would just have to link it with no classes, no work, and just a day to rest, to revitalize after days of hard work, if it weren't declared a non-working holiday.

We use the days as holidays to unwind, rest, and engage in all of our daily activities. This also applies to other major events in our history. We anticipate families to swarm to malls, parks, and other gathering areas on weekends, especially when such a historic occasion occurs, without even expressing gratitude that they would not have been able to unwind without such a momentous event.

Moreover, Malacañang has proclaimed February 24, 2023, a special non-working holiday in honor of the anniversary of the People Power Revolution which is commemorated every February 25, which falls on a Saturday this year. Thus, it gave us the opportunity for a longer weekend. And this is fine as long as the memory is preserved and does not change or lose its importance with time. It is important to preserve the People Power Revolution's historical relevance. Dates may vary, but their importance to Filipino history never does.

And we mean it when we say that significance is based on love of the country. Depending on which side we are on, we may have different opinions about it, but such a noble intention cannot be questioned and will endure from generation to generation, especially for the benefit of and appreciation by the following generation. And maintaining its spirit throughout one's life is everyone's moral obligation. We cannot allow its value to wane and for it to be forgotten.

This historic occasion that we commemorate today stands as a testament to the Filipino people's determination to stand up and band together in support of freedom and democracy. May the successes of the People Power Revolution still serve as motivation for us to work together for peace and inclusive progress.

Let us value and uphold the trust placed in us by our countrymen. We will continue to play a significant role in protecting the precious values that our founding fathers and heroes cherish.

Let's not lose sight of the fundamental justification for the uprising, which must endure as long as there are oppressions and rights transgressions.

It is beyond question that the 1986 EDSA People Power revolution represented a watershed moment in modern Philippine politics. Yet, because an event does not take place in a social vacuum and because the repercussions of such an event may not be fully grasped, its watershed character cannot be assumed to be easy or trouble-free. We must impart to our young the lessons like this because they will pass on their understanding to the generation that follows them.