Members of the Federation of the Urban Poor in Negros Occidental gathered at the monument of former Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. near the old Bacolod Airport Thursday, Feb. 25, to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.
Joy Jarabelo of FED-UP Negros said every year the group commemorates the EDSA bloodless revolt that resulted in the ouster of the oppressive Marcos dictatorship.
This year’s simple celebration was highlighted by the offering of flowers at the monument of Aquino, a short prayer and singing of the EDSA theme song.
In a statement, the group said there is a need to celebrate the restoration of democracy as a result of the people’s uprising.
Although that same democracy is under threat from the present administration, the spirit should keep Filipinos alive and should not “be allowed to die a natural death”.
“EDSA taught us unity based on truthfulness and freedom from repression. The spirit of EDSA gives Filipinos a great source of pride. It gives everyone new hope,” FED-UP Negros said.
Jarabelo said that the celebration is part of their continuing protest with the burial of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani as the group does not consider him a hero.
The gathering was attended by around a hundred members of the urban poor federation who were clad in white shirts.
They waved flaglets during the short program while observing physical distancing. – MML
