Those who were born when People Power happened are now in their early 30s, which means a good part of our young generation of today may not totally understand the value and impact of this important part of our history. Therefore, their parents and teachers play an important role in making sure that the lessons are not lost.
On the morning of February 25 in 1986, Corazon Aquino was sworn in as president of the Philippines. In the evening of the same day, deposed President Ferdinand Marcos and his family left the country for Hawaii. When news broke out that the family had left, the millions who were gathered at Edsa cheered and, shortly thereafter, the new president addressed the nation for the first time. All of these happened in one day.
It is important that we don’t forget the men and women who risked their lives at Edsa. It is important that we don’t forget how the soldiers and civilians stood united for one common cause. It is important that we don’t forget the lessons of the peaceful revolution that we taught the world that day.
More than 30 years later, there are few people who come to commemorate the event. Even the president cannot take part in the events because of his busy schedule. Nevertheless, I believe the real remembrance and the real celebration can happen inside our hearts and minds. Because as long as we nurture the country’s democracy and commit our lives to upholding it, then all is not lost.
I encourage the young people to read more about this historical event and understand and analyze; ask questions and not just blindly accept what is being dished out. The information from the past are now presented in many forms, and some of the versions are influenced by various motivations and political agenda. Readers and students must always be discerning and wise.
Here is today’s guide for motorists. According to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the commemorative rites this year will start at 8 a.m. at the Edsa People Power Monument in Quezon City. A Mass at the Edsa Shrine will follow at 12:15 p.m. According to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, two roads will be closed on Edsa during the anniversary celebration. One lane on Edsa (in front of the People Power Monument) will be closed to vehicular traffic from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on February 25, Monday.
As this day has been declared a special nonworking holiday, many of our kababayan have chosen to take the long weekend and go somewhere for a much-deserved break. We all need to get some rest from all the stress of daily living. But take a moment to reflect on the lessons of the revolution. Take a moment to talk about it with your children. Celebrate democracy with your family and friends, wherever you may be.