Some Catholic schools suspend class to commemorate EDSA People Power

Some Catholic schools have declared class suspension on 25 February to commemorate the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

In a statement, the EDSOR Consortium — comprising Immaculate Conception Academy, La Salle Green Hills, Saint Pedro Poveda College, and Xavier School — said they would honor the day "despite Malacañang's exclusion of this historical event."

"Recognizing our responsibility as educational institutions, we remain committed to preserving the relevance of the EDSA People Power Revolution, particularly for our current and future generations of students," the Consortium's statement read.

"We will continue to keep the spirit of EDSA alive despite active efforts to undermine it," it further read.

The schools also invited the public to join them "in remembering that the freedoms we enjoy today were hard-won, and we owe it to the next generation that we protect and safeguard the same."

In Proclamation No. 727, released on 31 October 2024, Malacañang included the EDSA anniversary in the 2025 holiday list but removed its non-working status.

The University of Santo Tomas also suspended its classes on 25 February and encouraged Thomasians "to participate in activities commemorating the spirit of the revolt, which toppled the two-decade Marcos Sr. dictatorship."

"As we commemorate the EDSA People Power Revolution, we are reminded of the power of unity, courage, and peaceful action. Let us stand united and never forget that true power lies in the collective will of the people, and it is our responsibility to uphold the values of integrity, justice, and freedom for generations to come," the university's Office of the Secretary General said.

Meanwhile, De La Salle Philippines (DLSP) announced the suspension of work and classes in all DLSP schools on 25 February "to protest the EDSA People Power Revolution's 39th anniversary being declared a Special Working Day."

In an official statement on its Facebook page, the network of Lasallian educational institutions urged Lasallians to "resist all attempts to erase from our collective memory what our nation achieved in February 1986."

"This declaration also reaffirms our commitment to the enduring values of freedom and justice. It celebrates the power of an awakened and united people in uplifting Philippine society to its better and nobler self," DLSP said.