ILOILO City – On Saturday, Feb. 25, the country is commemorating the 37th People Power Revolution anniversary, also known as the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution — the movement that “restored our democratic institutions and ushered in political, social and economic reforms in the country.”
During the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, millions of Filipinos from all walks of life gathered to march along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), the main artery of Metro Manila, to end the dictatorship of then President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. and begin a new era marked by true freedom and democracy.
But in Western Visayas, some local government units (LGUs) are still unsure about holding programs or activities in line with the anniversary of the popular demonstration.
These are the provinces of Guimaras, Antique and Iloilo.
Iloilo governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said he would still look into what the province could do to commemorate, saying he is busy with visitors coming into his office, lined-up activities in the municipalities, and priority programs.
The governor, however, stressed the importance of the People Power Revolution.
“Maathag man sa aton kon ano ang ESDA or People Power. Indi bala that is why sang nagliligad may ara kita sina sang commemoration as a reminder that it’s an important event in our history that shall continue to guide us right now,” he said. “We will see kon what we can come up with.”
Defensor added he would release a message in line with the event.
In Guimaras, meanwhile, Vice Gov. John Edward Gando said he would still coordinate with Gov. JC Rahman Nava.
As Gando could recall, the province does not hold a program, unlike during Independence Day.
He added that this year’s Feb. 25 landed on a Saturday when there would be no office or classes.
For Antique governor Rhodora J. Cadiao, Antiqueños are used to not holding programs and activities in commemoration.
She said it depends on Antiqueños on how they would commemorate “individually.”
“Ma-holiday lang kami diri, i-observe lang namon ang holiday, but wala na kaming program,” said Cadiao./PN
