Remembering People Power Revolution

Every February 22 to 25, PH commemorates a time when democracy was restored in the country.

EDSA PEOPLE POWER. Filipino people holding a Philippine flag in 1986. Image by Efren Fontanilla, grabbed via digitalphotographer.ph

One of the most significant events in Philippine history was the People Power Revolution, also known as the EDSA Revolution. In this particular time in 1986, more than two million Filipino people gathered on the stretch of EDSA Avenue for a series of non-violent demonstration to topple the “oppressive and blatantly corrupt” 21-year governance of then President Ferdinand Marcos.

In this event, civilians and notable persons such as those from religious, political, and military sectors joined forces to assemble on the streets. Through a peaceful revolution led by the former heads of Philippine Catholic church such as Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin and other priests and nuns, prayers and the collective action of the Filipino people were able to oust Marcos on the seat as the armed troops withdrew from the site.

With this historic feat, February 25 has been declared as a special non-working holiday, a day which reminds of the time when Filipinos showed the world what democracy is.

For first-hand stories about the EDSA Revolution, see: http://www.inquirer.net/edsa