Forty years ago, the Filipino people made their mark in world history when they successfully ousted an overstaying dictator through a bloodless revolt that would be known as the EDSA People Power revolution.
The People Power Revolution of 1986 was a series of popular demonstrations from February 22 to 25, that led to the departure of Ferdinand Marcos, ending a 20-year dictatorship, and restoring democracy in the Philippines.
The majority of the demonstrations took place along a long stretch of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, known by its acronym EDSA, in Metro Manila. It involved over 2 million Filipino civilians, composed of political, military, and religious groups, who were fueled by the resistance and opposition to years of the plundering dictatorship, and a stolen election.
Contrary to the current idea of a public demonstration in a functioning democracy which is usually a generally safe activity for the current generation, going to EDSA 40 years ago was essentially putting your life on the line. Civilians were facing armed soldiers and battle tanks with prayers, rosaries, and flowers. Nobody knew if the helicopters buzzing overhead were friendly or hostile. Howitzers were aimed at the military camps that the crowd was protecting from government forces, waiting for the order to fire. So much could’ve gone wrong at EDSA in February 1986, and somehow, nonviolence prevailed, a dictator was removed from power, and democracy was restored.
Our people power revolution inspired other nations and served as a blueprint for peaceful, non-violent resistance against authoritarian regimes. Among the nations that followed our lead in Asia and Europe, there were successes and failures, but it has to be stressed that what Filipinos did 40 years ago was the first. We broke new ground back then, but 40 years later, many of our countrymen no longer recognize how difficult and special it was.
Today is not a non-working holiday, but a special working holiday. Some of the Filipinos who will go about their daily routines may give it a second thought, but most may not even remember that the People Power Revolution was 40 years ago, or take the time to reflect upon its significance.
Whether it is a non-working holiday or not, the past cannot be changed. However, if it is sidelined often enough, there is a chance that future generations could forget. Whatever the reason, it is incumbent upon us to remember what our forebears were able to achieve on February 25, 1986, even if it is just to remind us of what we can achieve if we work together as a united nation.*
