No rallies at EDSA Shrine, only Masses

In commemoration of the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, no rallies will be held at the EDSA Shrine, with the focus shifting instead to religious observances, according to the shrine’s rector.

EDSA Shrine rector Fr. Jerome Secillano in a radio interview on Monday stressed that the commemoration will emphasize faith rather than politics.

“This year’s celebration is focused on the faith aspect, not politics,” Secillano said in Filipino.

According to Secillano, to mark the occasion, five Masses will be held at the EDSA Shrine at 7 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Despite the absence of an official government declaration suspending classes, numerous universities and schools across the country have announced class suspensions to honor the historic event.

Several institutions have also designated an Alternative Learning Day, encouraging students and faculty to participate in meaningful activities that reflect on the revolution’s impact.

To recall, the EDSA-Ortigas Consortium of Schools, which includes institutions near the historic site, has declared 25 February a special non-working day.

These schools reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the relevance of the People Power Revolution, stressing the need to keep its spirit alive despite efforts to diminish its significance.

Meanwhile, the University of Santo Tomas urged the community to engage in religious and academic activities that uphold the values of democracy.

De La Salle University issued a strong statement condemning the government’s decision to downgrade 25 February to a special working holiday, arguing that it undermines the revolution’s legacy.

The holiday status change stems from Proclamation No. 167, issued in 2023, which moved the observance to 24 February under the principle of “holiday economics.”