Cebu Remembers EDSA: A Call to Defend Filipino Values on the 40th Anniversary

Cebu City, Philippines – As the Philippines prepares to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution on February 25th, Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy is urging Cebuanos to participate, emphasizing the revolution’s enduring significance to the Filipino moral identity. Civic groups and the Archdiocese of Cebu, in partnership with local governments, are organizing events to highlight the province’s historical opposition to authoritarian rule.

A Legacy of Anti-Dictatorship Activism

Cebu has a long-standing history of resistance against authoritarianism, dating back to the 1960s. When Martial Law was declared in 1972, many prominent Cebuanos were among the initial 70,000 political prisoners nationwide, including scholars, labor leaders, and student activists. This history forms the foundation of the province’s strong anti-Marcos identity.

Commemoration Events

The commemoration will begin with a Holy Mass at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño Pilgrim Center at 1:45 pm, followed by a synchronized tolling of church bells across all parishes at 3 pm. Representatives from four generations will share their perspectives and issue a call to action, encouraging continued vigilance in defending democratic values.

Participants will then march from the Basilica to Plaza Independencia for a floral offering called “Panagtagbo,” where 1,000 rosaries and flowers will be distributed. The day will conclude with “Yukbo: Ang Konsiyerto,” a concert featuring local musicians.

Three Reasons to Remember EDSA, According to Archbishop Uy

Archbishop Uy outlined three key reasons for Cebuanos to join the commemoration:

1. EDSA as Moral Identity: The revolution was not merely a political event, but a moral stand demonstrating the power of conscience, prayer, and unity in rejecting dictatorship, corruption, and abuse of power without violence.
2. Ongoing Threats to Freedom: Despite four decades since EDSA, challenges to freedom persist, including ongoing corruption, poverty, and fragile public trust in institutions. Uy stressed that protecting democracy requires constant vigilance.
3. The Importance of Remembrance for Future Generations: Uy emphasized that the values of EDSA must be passed on to younger generations, warning that forgetting the lessons of the past could lead to acceptance of corruption and abuse of power.

A Non-Partisan Commemoration

Organizers have emphasized that the February 25th commemoration will be strictly non-partisan, with no public officials taking the stage. According to Fr. Jose “Baggy” Bagadiong, president of the Association of Consecrated Men of Cebu, maintaining a non-partisan approach is crucial to avoid perceptions of bias and encourage broader public participation.

Jay Pujanes, president of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), clarified that the event will focus on issues rather than personalities, avoiding calls for specific officials to resign. He argued that focusing on systemic problems and responsible voting is more effective than seeking quick fixes through resignations.

Looking Ahead

As Cebu commemorates the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, the call to action is clear: remember the past, defend democratic values, and actively participate in building a more just and equitable future for the Philippines. The events planned for February 25th serve as a reminder that the fight for freedom and integrity is an ongoing responsibility.