This Thursday marks the 35th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.
But if in recent years the programs for historical events have become simpler, they have become even simpler now.
The entire program lasted only 15 minutes, starting with the singing of the Philippine national anthem and followed by a wreath-laying ceremony or flower offering at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City.
It is not necessary to close some lanes in EDSA, as it used to be, because very few people attended the program due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s program theme is “EDSA 2021: Kapayapaan, Paghilom, Pagbangon.”
In an interview with TeleRadyo, EDSA People Power Commission Vice Chairman Joey Concepcion said that the country is facing a new revolution today.
He said Filipinos must unite to fight COVID-19.
“Talagang dapat sumama lahat ng mga Pilipino dito ngayon sa revolution para manalo tayo sa giyera nitong virus. Lahat ng mga Pilipino, dapat magpabakuna. ‘Yon ang isang revolution natin ngayon,” said Concepcion.
President Rodrigo Duterte urged all Filipinos to put aside the differences now as they celebrate the 35th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.
Celebration of EDSA People Power Revolution 35th anniversary much simpler
In the president’s message, he said Filipinos should be positive and not lose hope to maintain democracy.
He said the sacrifice of the people who fought for our country in the dictatorship should not be ignored.
Like the unity of the Filipinos during the 1986 revolution, Filipinos must unite in the fight against COVID-19 and the threat of democracy, urged Vice President Leni Robredo.
According to Robredo, the courage, determination, and unity shown by the Filipinos to end the cruelty and violence of the dictatorship must be remembered.
The EDSA People Power Revolution was a series of popular demonstrations in the Philippines, mostly in Metro Manila, from February 22–25, 1986.
There was a sustained campaign of civil resistance against regime violence and electoral fraud. The nonviolent revolution led to the departure of Ferdinand Marcos, the end of his 20-year presidential term, and the restoration of democracy in the Philippines.