25/02/2026
๐๐๐ข๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฅ | ๐
๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ
by May Halili
On February 22โ25 of 1986, the people of our country came together with a single purpose: to demand for change. What took place during those four historic days was not just a political protestโit was a powerful moment when Filipinos found their voice after years of fear and silence. Along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), millions of Filipinosโstudents, workers, religious groups, and ordinary citizensโstood side-by-side united in their call for justice and accountability. The movement, now known as People Power Revolution, did not promise to instantly solve the nationโs long-standing problems. Instead, it showed that real change is possible when citizens stand together. It challenged the idea that those in power were untouchable and reminded the nation of a simple truth: in a democracy, sovereignty will rest with the people.
Such a widespread protest had not sprung into fruition overnight. It was the result of years of suppression under the 20-year rule of Ferdinand Marcos. One of its major catalysts was the assassination of Benigno Aquino in 1983, a death that shocked the nation and turned what was once grief into political anger. In years that followed, Corazon Aquino assumed the presidency and oversaw the drafting of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which sought to restore democratic institutions, safeguard civil liberties, and prevent the return of authoritarian rule.
Yet decades later, the fight for good governance continues. Corruption remains deeply rooted in the countryโs political system. Recent controversies about the alleged misuse of public funds have caused harm, taken innocent lives, and left heavy damage to homes and infrastructure. These events once again shocked the nation, but also sparked renewed interest in civic engagement and brought back the strong desire for change and justice. It would reignite the interest in civic engagement, reigniting that desire we want for change and justice.
In September 2025, the Trillion Peso March took place, a protest organized by more than 200 groups in response to these allegations. Although it was not as peaceful as its predecessor, it shows that the spirit that the EDSA Revolution once had still exists, and it is far from dying down.
As another anniversary of the revolution approaches, its message grows ever more stronger. The legacy of EDSA revolution served as inspiration to others; it showed many that it isn't bloodshed and violence that is needed in protest, but unity, courage, and collective action.
That day, Filipinos fought not only for the freedom of the people of the present but for the generations to come. Our power as youth is not diminished by our age; rather, it is strengthened as we are fighting for a future we will soon be living. Because of those who stood along EDSA, we stand free today. And it is now our responsibility to ensure that the children of tomorrow stand even freer.
๐ผ๏ธ Jaed Lumpas
