Manila, philippines essay

MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos will never forget the historic four-day People Power Revolution on February 22-25, 1986, when, armed with only rosaries, prayers, and flowers, they stopped tanks and faced gun-wielding government soldiers along Epifanio De los Santos Avenue (EDSA), to win back long-denied freedom and democracy. The event, now called EDSA 1 People Power Revolution was widely-praised and supported by the international community. It continues to this day to inspire citizens of many nations in their battles to win back rights and freedom. This year, we celebrate on February 25 the 25th Anniversary of the EDSA 1 People Power Revolution when a regime came to an end, democracy was regained, and a widow, Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, took her oath as the 11th President of the Philippines. She is the mother of President Benigno S. Aquino III, the 15th President of the Philippines.

EDSA 1 People Power Revolution leaders and other major participants in that event who are still around will join the recollection of those four glorious days in February, 1986. They are the “ heroes of EDSA,” for having successfully led the nation back to freedom and democracy. There are also many other Filipinos who contributed their share to that historic event – those who joined protest rallies, distributed food and drinks to rallyists, recited the rosary, offered flowers, risked lives before tanks, and appealed to government soldiers to join them.

Those pictures of people, young and old, walking hand in hand, crying, shouting, and praying will forever be etched in our memory. As the nation commemorates the EDSA 1 People Power Revolution, let us not let the euphoria and joy of winning back freedom and democracy waver. Let us instead be strengthened by a resolve to continue safeguarding them for the enjoyment of present and future generations.