39th anniversary of EDSA People Power to be marked by various groups

DT·24 February 2025, 5:11 am·1 min read

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39th anniversary of EDSA People Power to be marked by various groups — On Friday, 21 February 2025, personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) begin preparing the EDSA People Power Monument along EDSA in Quezon City, just days ahead of the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution. In commemoration of the 1986 revolution, various schools and educational institutions suspend on-site classes and shift to alternative learning modules on 25 February
Analy Labor

Various organizations, schools, and institutions have planned activities to commemorate the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on 25 February. The historic event, which led to a change in leadership in 1986, continues to be remembered through ceremonies, discussions, and cultural programs across the country.

Official commemorative events

At 8:00 AM on 25 February, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and Bantayog ng mga Bayani will lead a wreath-laying ceremony at the People Power Monument in Quezon City.

University-led commemorations

University of Santo Tomas (UST)

UST has encouraged its students to actively participate in EDSA anniversary activities. Classes are suspended on 25 February, and the university has lined up several events:

Mass for peace – 7:30 AM, at Santisimo Rosario Parish, followed by the praying of the Holy Rosary.
Campus illumination – At 6:00 PM, UST’s landmarks will be lit in white as a tribute to EDSA’s spirit of peace and hope.
Masterclass on Mindanao politics – 26 February, at the George SK Ty Function Hall.
Film screening and panel discussion – Which People? What Power? will be shown at the Albertus Magnus Auditorium, followed by a discussion on history, fact-checking, and civic engagement.
Cinemalaya film screening – Balota, with director Kipp Oebanda in attendance, will be shown at the Central Laboratory Auditorium.
Lecture-discussion on Liberation Theology – 27 February, hosted by the UST Simbahayan Community Development Office.
Cultural performances – KULTURALAN: Kultura at Aral para sa Karapatan on 28 February at the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex.

Catholic schools and other universities

Many Catholic schools, including De La Salle Philippines, Adamson University, San Beda University, and the University of the East, have announced class suspensions on 25 February. Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines and Far Eastern University have opted for alternative learning setups.

EDSOR, a consortium of schools in the EDSA-Ortigas area — including La Salle Green Hills, Saint Pedro Poveda College, Xavier School, and Immaculate Conception Academy — has declared 25 February a special non-working holiday for its institutions.

Documentary screenings and cultural performances

Advocacy group Dakila hosted a slew of events from 22 to 25 February to commemorate the peaceful revolution. On 23 February, the group screened the documentary 11,103, which tells the stories of martial law survivors, at Sine Pop, Quezon City.

For 25 February, Dakila will screen Isang Harding Papel: A Musical — a production featuring an all-kids cast that narrates the story of a young girl visiting her mother, a political prisoner during the Marcos dictatorship — at 6:00 PM at the Cagayan Museum and will be made available for online streaming via www.martiallaw.ph.

Reopening of Aquino Center and Museum

In Tarlac, the Aquino Center and Museum will officially reopen on 25 February after undergoing a two-year renovation. The museum honors the legacies of Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino, and former President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.

The Buhay Ang People Power Campaign Network has also organized a Lakbay Dasal, Diwa ng EDSA march. Participants will gather at the EDSA Shrine at 1:30 PM before proceeding to the People Power Monument. The event aims to advocate for truth, justice, and accountability. A mass will also be held at the EDSA Shrine at 6:00 PM.

Renewed calls for democracy and vigilance

Organizers of the various activities emphasize that the EDSA Revolution’s legacy remains relevant today. The theme for this year’s commemoration, "EDSA 39: ‘Di Ka Nag-iisa," highlights the enduring power of collective action in safeguarding democracy.

Although the Philippines continues to face political and social challenges, the events and discussions surrounding EDSA’s anniversary serve as a reminder of the people’s role in shaping the nation's future.

Despite the absence of a national holiday declaration, Filipinos from different walks of life continue to gather, reflect, and honor the spirit of EDSA, reinforcing the revolution’s message of unity, courage, and hope for future generations.