The Yellow Revolution: A Story of Faith

The People Power Revolution has made history not only in the Philippines but also in the world. It has changed the way people revolt against dictatorship and abusive government. Bloodless revolution and non-violent resistance gave the world an overview of oneness that is engraved in the hearts of men.

Yellow ribbons were visible on the verge of the non-violent civil resistance and the millions of Filipinos gathered in Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) were wholeheartedly ready to stand firm against the dictatorship that ruined the country’s freedom, most notably the freedom of the press.

The call for peaceful resistance was sparked by then Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin. Through Radio Veritas the appeal for the mass to stand as a nation was made possible. Despite the cloudy disposition and what seemed to be an unwise decision to fight the government troops with their military tanks and armed weapons the Filipinos still stood and trooped to EDSA.

Priests and nuns with rosaries and countrymen who were believers of peace demonstrated the world the power that Filipinos were given–the power of faith.

It was faith that gave them hope. It was faith that enlightened the nation to put an end to the abuse of power and greed. And it was faith that paved its way to democracy.

For two decades of suppressed freedom, Dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos had stepped down and fled. The world was awestruck as the Philippines had the cheapest revolution. President Corazon C. Aquino was quoted in saying “Ours was a cheap revolution”. There was no need to spend millions, it was just a matter of principle and an act of patriotism.

It was on February 25, 1986 that the Filipino nation became victorious and felt the ecstasy brought by restored democracy. Tears and spirit of brotherhood filled their eyes and souls. It was indeed a moment of triumph.

Twenty-eight years after, the Filipinos are still fighting for the same freedom–freedom from corruption, greed, and injustice. The legacy of the first People Power Revolution must not be wasted, it must not be printed only in History books. It must be imprinted in the hearts of every Filipino and to posterity.