UP community mobilizes to keep legacy of People Power alive
Today, Feb. 25, marks 39 years since the EDSA People Power Revolution, which ushered the country鈥檚 transition to democracy after years of authoritarian rule under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
The uprising remains a historic testament to the Filipino people鈥檚 courage and unity. Members of the UP community were not only among those who bravely flocked to EDSA during those four fateful days in 1986; they also stood at the forefront of the resistance against dictatorship and despotism from the First Quarter Storm of 1970, the Diliman Commune of 1971, and even under the dark years of martial law.
UP honors their lives and sacrifices annually on the Day of Remembrance every Sept. 21. However, their legacies live on not only in commemorations but also in the continuing struggle to forge a truly democratic, inclusive, and equitable society through UP鈥檚 unwavering commitment to public service and social transformation.
To reinforce the significance of the historic uprising, UP President Angelo Jimenez declared Feb.聽 25, 2025 as an Alternative Learning Day, enjoining the UP community 鈥渢o participate in meaningful and peaceful activities that honor the spirit of unity, freedom, and civil liberties.鈥�
From educational discussions, cultural gatherings, and mass mobilizations, here are some of the ways the UP community remembered and commemorated the EDSA People Power Revolution.
Mobilizing against distortion, amnesia
Student councils and organizations from UP Diliman, UP Manila, and the UP Open University, as well as the national offices of the All UP Workers Union (AUPWU) and the All UP Academic Employees Union (AUPAEU) are among those set to join a broad multi-sectoral mobilization at the People Power Monument along EDSA at 3 PM on Feb. 24.
The emphasized in its message that the lessons from the uprising 鈥淸ay hindi natatapos] sa paggunita lamang sa mga sakripisyo at buhay na inialay upang matamo ang demokrasya, higit sa lahat ang aral na hindi ipinagkakatiwala sa iilan ang kapangyarihan na ang yaman ay kailangang ipamahagi sa lahat.鈥�
For the , it is necessary not just to commemorate the revolt as a victory of the Filipino people but to also uphold its essence amid efforts to distort and erase the collective memory of the abuses and atrocities under the Marcos regime.
Learning from history
The UP Tacloban College (UPTC) Student Council, together with the Eastern Visayas chapters of Kabataan Party-list and the National Union of Students of the Philippines, held the forum at the UPTC Multipurpose Building on Feb. 19. The discussion focused on how the youth could learn from history and continue the legacy of the EDSA People Power Revolution, especially amid the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.
The Congress of Teachers and Educators for Nationalism and Democracy (CONTEND) also held the forum at the Palma Hall lobby in UP Diliman. Speakers from various civil society organizations and human rights groups emphasized the need to also study economics and the role of culture in combating the historical distortion surrounding the martial law era and the Marcos regime. The forum was organized by CONTEND together with Karapatan, the Samahan ng Ex-detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto, and the Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses and Martial Law.
The UP Baguio USC as well as the UP Baguio chapters of the AUPWU and the AUPAEU are also hosting the forum which features discussions on the people鈥檚 resistance during the martial law period in the Cordilleras. The forum is part of the Alternative Learning Classes in commemoration of the EDSA People Power Uprising.
Resistance through arts and culture
The UP Visayas University Student Council (USC), in partnership with Kabataang Artista para sa Tunay na Kalayaan – UPV, opened the exhibit at the College Union Building on Feb. 21. At the centerpiece of the exhibit is the terracotta sculpture 鈥淧uwag鈥� by Miguel Antonio Tronco, which 鈥渆ncapsulates the fight for human rights and the liberation from physical, emotional, and societal constraints.鈥�
Cultural performances also served as a medium to remind students and the youth of the historical legacy of the EDSA People Power Revolution. The UP Manila USC held its cultural program at the Rizal Hall lobby on Feb. 21.
The UP Film Institute (UPFI) also hosted a free screening of the 1994 collage film by National Artist for Film and UP alumnus Kidlat Tahimik on Feb. 24 at the UPFI Film Center Videotheque to commemorate the EDSA People Power Revolution.
After the multi-sectoral mobilization at Cebu City鈥檚 Fuente Osme帽a Circle, UP Cebu will hold a cultural night titled at the Performing Arts Hall. The cultural night鈥檚 program will culminate with a screening of the 1982 film 鈥淗imala鈥� by National Artist for Film and UP alumnus Ishmael Bernal.
