EDSA Revolution, A Triumph

We celebrated the 36th Anniversary of the EDSA people’s power revolution. This was declared under the Presidential Proclamation no. 1236 of the Republic of the Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, which says that February 25 is a special non-working holiday. The theme of this year’s celebration is, “EDSA 2022: Pagtutulungan tungo sa sama-samang pagbangon mula sa pandemya.”

Looking back, the Filipinos were united to restore the Democracy of the Philippines. After a long period of time of the Marcos regime, Filipinos were of one mind to stop the oppression of martial law. They ended the agony of many Filipinos. They hoped to live better lives as a nation. Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos marched along EDSA risking their lives. They brought no weapons to fight against the tanks and guns that the government forces had. They only brought courage as they faced the government forces. They knelt down in front of the tanks and brought with them the holy rosary that foiled the troops. They did it harmlessly. They continued to live. Despite the strong tension, they were able to maneuver into a bloodless end.

The democracy that we enjoy this time is the fruit of the labor and success of the EDSA people’s power revolution. The Church’s participation in that nonviolent protest against the horror of the Martial Law, the presence of religious personalities such as the Bishops, priests, religious brothers, and sisters, strengthened the intention of the Filipinos to restore the freedom of the peoples. The Church became the helper for those in trouble, for the afflicted. The Church became the home and comfort for those who suffering and were tormented.

The event of February 25, 1986, became the new beginning of many Filipinos. It gave a message to the world about the remarkable resolve of the Filipino people. It foreshadowed the peace that the Republic of the Philippines wished for long for a period of time. It was a successful revolt against the government, yet it challenged to continue to live truly in freedom. As a Filipino citizen of the Republic of the Philippines, I have to exercise the freedom won by the Filipinos during the EDSA revolution, the freedom to protect, defend and preserve the independence accomplished in that historic revolution.

For several years, we have continued to remember this meaningful occasion by honoring the sacrifices of all those who fought against tyranny. We continue to be watchful in all our endeavors and optimistic in all the trying times as a nation. (Bro. Soren Abellanosa)