ILOILO – The provincial government is not marking this Sunday, February 25, the 38th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.
“We don’t have a program,” Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. told Panay News.
The EDSA People Power Revolution was a pivotal series of mass demonstrations, primarily taking place on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Metro Manila from February 22 to 25, 1986. This non-violent revolution led to the fall of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’ 20-year authoritarian regime and the restoration of democracy in the Philippines.
Last year, the provincial government also did not organize any program or activity for the EDSA People Power Revolution.
The national government, led by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. – son of the fallen dictator – has not declared February 25 a special non-working holiday.
According to the Presidential Communications Office, “The Office of the President maintains respect for the commemoration of the EDSA People Power Revolution. However, it was not included in the list of special non-working days for the year 2024 because February 25 falls on a Sunday. There is minimal socioeconomic impact in declaring this day a special non-working holiday since it coincides with the rest day for most workers and laborers.”
Last year, the Office of the President released Proclamation No. 167, declaring Friday, February 24, 2023, as a special (non-working) day nationwide.
The purpose was “to enable our countrymen to avail of the benefits of a longer weekend pursuant to the principle of holiday economics, the celebration of the EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary may be moved from February 25, 2023 (Saturday) to February 24, 2023 (Friday), provided that the historical significance of the EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary is maintained.”
Liberal Party Activities
Meanwhile, organizers from the Liberal Party Magayon Chapter in the city and province of Iloilo have planned a simple program to commemorate the anniversary of the EDSA revolution in front of the Iloilo provincial capitol on Sunday,
The simple program is organized by Gerald Peñaranda, chairman of the Liberal Party (LP) Iloilo-Magayon Chapter and one of the convenors of the Iloilo for Leni and Team Leni Robredo (TLR) Volunteers who supported the presidential bid of former vice president Leni Robredo in the 2022 elections.
There will be a mass at 7 a.m. at the Jaro Cathedral, followed by an assembly on the cathedral grounds before marching to the provincial capitol ground for a rally organized by the Panay Peoples Coalition.
“My fellow countrymen, participate and join us in celebrating the most important chapter of our history,” Peñaranda posted on the Facebook Page.
The focus of the rally is to oppose Charter Change.
The convenors of the Panay People’s Coalition include Rev. Msgr. Meliton Oso of the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center; Rev. Msgr. Marco Sulayao of the Promotion of Church People’s Response – Panay and Guimaras; Rev. Dr. Melvin Mangana of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches; and Rev. Winston Mariano of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, among others.
Approximately 300 participants are expected to attend the rally.
Peñaranda encourages everyone to wear a white shirt for the event.
Before Sunday, February 25, starting from February 22 to February 24, the Liberal Party Magayon Chapter has organized activities including:
* February 22 – Film showing at La Paz Headquarters from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
* February 22 – Tying a yellow ribbon along Luna Street, La Paz up to Sunburst Park at 6 p.m.
* February 23 – Film showing at La Paz Headquarters from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and a 5:30 p.m. mass at St. Clement’s Church followed by candle lighting at 6:30 p.m.
* February 25 – 38th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power at 7 a.m. at the Jaro Cathedral and an 8:30 a.m. assembly time prior to the march in front of the provincial capitol facing Balay Remedios.
The rally ends at 12 noon./PN
