Layout by: Amara Dela Cruz
Published by: Aprilyn Sado
Date Published: February 26, 2025
Time Published: 8:12 AM
There was a time when resilience crucially paid off—it caused noteworthy changes, reshaping our nation. As was the case 39 years ago, in 1986, when Philippine history reached a sharp turning point due to the people's tenacious spirit. It was the year when Filipinos united, protested, and stood their ground for the same goal—-to put an end to the late Marcos’ dictatorial administration.
The series of demonstrations, which began on February 22 and lasted for four days, marked their collective opposition to the Marcos regime at the time. Together with the presence of over two million people marching along, the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, commonly known as EDSA, was filled with their desire to reclaim the liberty they were deprived of.
The EDSA People Power Revolution exhibited a significant impact on the country’s history, shifting its course from the around two-decade period of oppression to a moment of rejoicement brought by the departure of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and his family. With Filipinos’ victory in overthrowing the authoritarian rule, a remarkable event—a revolution—was formed.
In the present, it is commemorated every 25th of February to give importance to and maintain its historical relevance. However, its spot on the calendar isn’t the only reminder of the EDSA Revolution, as some may be unaware, because it prompted and left notable remembrances across the land. The following are just some of the many reminders of what happened at EDSA in February of 1986.
THE PEOPLE POWER MONUMENT
Situated at the corner of EDSA and White Plains Avenue in Barangay Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, the People Power Monument was designed by Eduardo Castrillo to honor the 1986 revolution [1]. With a total height of 18 meters, this monument is a carved memory of the people who, in the face of tyranny, remained unshaken.
Accomplished in 1993, the monument holds different symbolisms in its design. Comprised of three tiers, the sculpted figures of the monument are positioned to form a pyramid. Its elevated placement represents the resistance and uprising of the Filipinos against the marginalization of Marcos’ presidency [2].
The bottom-most tier displays a group of men and women with linked arms, showing how the people barricaded the government tanks during the revolution. Amidst this tier is a man pointing towards the EDSA Shrine.
The middle tier incorporates individuals who were part of the EDSA People Power Revolution coming from diverse backgrounds, particularly a mother carrying her child, a priest, nuns, a musician holding his guitar, soldiers, and a man with his hand up to form an L sign indicating “laban” or fight. This encompasses how people during the revolution, regardless of status, unified to oust the then dictator.
At the uppermost tier of the monument resides a large figure of a woman, symbolizing “Inang Bayan” or motherland. The figure is seen with her arms raised towards the sky with destroyed shackles on her wrist, suggesting freedom. [3]
The People Power Monument, with it's three tiers, tells a story of the citizens' critical role during the revolution. Every curve and shape narrates the Filipinos' unbreakable morale. In the current years, it remains a symbol of civic engagement, acting as a site for political movements, protests, and other social agendas.
THE EDSA SHRINE
Previously known as the Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace (Our Lady of EDSA), the EDSA Shrine was established at the crossroads of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) and Ortigas Avenue in Quezon City on December 15, 1989. It was dedicated in accordance with the belief in the Blessed Virgin Mary’s miraculous interception of the prevailing dictatorship, leading to the triumph of the Filipinos in the EDSA People Power Revolution. [4]
The shrine, expressing the importance of faith and prayers during challenging times, was designed by Bobby MaΓ±osa with the assistance of Leandro Valencia Locsin (1928-1994) and Arch. William Vargas Coscolluela. It took inspiration from traditional thatched huts of nipa (Nypa fruticans) and was the first monument attributed to the revolution.
Various pieces representing the EDSA Revolution can be found throughout the shrine, reflecting the divine intervention that accompanied the people during this period. One of which is a sculpture of the “Risen Christ” made out of glass. Created by Ramon Orlina in 1989, it associates Christ’s resurrection with the Filipino's uprising from the oppressive administration. At the main chapel of the EDSA Shrine, where Orlina's glass sculpture is placed, also located is a stained glass skylight window illustrating the "Holy Spirit.". This craft denotes the guidance blessed upon the people during the EDSA People Power Revolution and was made by Eduardo Castrillo.
Statements quoted from key figures during the revolution can also be seen on the entrance of the shrine. Including a portion of Ninoy Aquino's speech "The Filipino is worth dying for," as well as lyrics of Jaime Ramon Paredes' "Handog ng Filipino sa Mundo" and other quotes from Fidel Ramos and Cardinal Sin, they are displayed through metal letters secured on the wall. These statements, each powerful in their own ways, serve as testaments of the courage and fortitude seen in the revolution.
The most prominent feature of the EDSA Shrine is, however, the enormous 10-meter sculpture of "Our Lady of Peace," which was built by Virginia Ty-Navarro. It signifies the peaceful nature of the protests in the revolution, with the absence of bloodshed, which Catholics believe stems from the Blessed Virgin Mary's protection.
This monument, beyond its perimeters and walls, showcases the lingering prayers and silent cries of faith, recalling the significance of believing in the power from above when the period of hardships arrive.
BANTAYOG NG MGA BAYANI
The Bantayog ng mga Bayani, which in English translates to "Monument to the Heroes," is a memorial center constructed to recognize the people who devoted themselves to opposing the iron-fisted government within the period of 1972 to 1986. [5]
Another work by Eduardo Castrillo, a monument of “Inang Bayan” with a height of 14 meters, can be found at the said memorial center. This sculpture consists of a female figure with her left arm hoisted upward, representing freedom, while she grips the arm of a fallen male figure using her right hand.
At the same venue stands the Wall of Remembrance. It is a list of names of the people affected by the dictatorial administration engraved on a black granite wall. The martyrs and heroes included in the list may be nominated and selected through the investigations of the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation’s committee. The Wall of Remembrance, containing the names belonging to those who protested, ensures their efforts and contributions to the revolution are never forgotten.
Not far from the Wall of Remembrance is a building named after a politician who took part in resisting the tyrannical rule, Jovito R. Salonga. The memorial center is also home to several facilities such as a museum, an auditorium, and a library.
The Bantayog ng mga Bayani, according to its foundation, seeks to connect with students, with the goal of aiding their understanding regarding the people's battle against repression.
More than just a memorial, the Bantayog ng mga Bayani lifts the weight of the sacrifices made by the people whose names are inscribed on the wall.
A LEGACY
The EDSA Revolution persists as a momentous event in history, embodying the people's power in initiating change through their voices. It left a fundamental legacy, signalling us to continue to preserve our democracy and freedom [6]. This intangible reminder, etched deep in the heart of the Filipinos, awakens the powerful urge to call for justice and accountability, as done by the people in the revolution.
A pivotal moment in history, deserving of recognition in the books, the 1986 revolution signifies the strength of ordinary citizens when combined to resist any form of oppression exhibited by the government. The ideals of human rights and social justice that were reinforced in the revolution still shows to be relevant up to now. [7]
The restoration of democracy without the need for violence drew the starting line for effectively making use of the people’s power in demanding good governance. In this light, their unwavering courage during the EDSA Revolution continues to inspire several Filipinos to follow suit and bravely point out the corrupt agendas and behaviors of those granted a position in the administration. The events of the revolution serve as a token of hope, indicating that change can be done, even during the most difficult times, when people are joined by a singular objective [8].
Certain individuals have reiterated the essentiality of commemorating the EDSA People Power Revolution, including Latrell Felix, who won as chairperson of the UP University Student Council in 2022. “Nakikita ko ‘yung relevance kasi ng People Power as something that (we) should always look back, since it has been one of the, parang, highlights of our history: the people, being able to topple down or overthrow a dictator. That’s really something that shows how powerful the masses are, how powerful the people are,” Felix shared. [9]
The revolution in 1986 isn't just an event of the past; it taught valuable lessons concerning democracy and sovereignty. It underscores the sacrifices and efforts of the Filipinos in wanting to establish a rightful regime that adheres to its constituents' needs, instead of ruling the country in a way that is fueled by personal greed.
It was changing. The revolution significantly altered the political situation during that time, correlating to the liberty and democracy that we are familiar with today, in contrast to the repression that they experienced. These rights, however, were hard-earned by the people who protested in the roads of EDSA and therefore should not be taken for granted. The responsibility is within the current and future generations to protect and fight for it, so as not to waste the struggle that people endured before and during the revolution.
This historical event that took place in 1986 functions as an eye-opener for people to learn from past occurrences and honor the Filipinos who, for the sake of the Philippines and its citizens, participated in these revolutionary activities and campaigns. This amplifies the essence of looking back on the events that shaped the current position of our country to prevent detrimental conflicts from being repeated. Because history, in its entirety, holds no room for "forgive and forget".
IMAGE SOURCE:
Varcas, M. (2024, November 4). 'Inu-unti unti': Declaration of EDSA Revolution anniversary as working day questioned. Interaksyon. https://interaksyon.philstar.com/.../declaration-edsa.../#
REFERENCES:
[1] Quezon City Government. (2024, February 22). EDSA People Power Monument - Quezon City Government. Quezon City Government - Official Website. https://quezoncity.gov.ph/place/edsa-people-power-monument/
[2] Audiala. (2024, July 24). People Power Monument Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites in Taguig. https://audiala.com/en/philippines/taguig/people-power-monument
[3] Manila Bulletin. (2023, February 24). Remembering EDSA People Power through monuments and shrines. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2023/02/24/remembering-edsa-people-power-through-monuments-and-shrines/
[4] EDSA Shrine - Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace (Our Lady of EDSA). (n.d.). The EDSA shrine. https://www.edsashrine.org/2016/08/the-edsa-shrine.html
[5] Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation. (2023, October 23). Bantayog Ng Mga Bayani - Honoring Martyrs & Heroes of Martial Law. https://bantayogngmgabayani.org/about/
[6] Great Day HR. (2022, February 25). EDSA People Power Revolution: A Turning Point in Philippine History. https://greatdayhr.ph/blog/edsa-people-power-revolution-a-turning-point-in-philippine-history/
[7] Longboan, C. (2024, February 25). EDSA Revolution: a legacy ignored, but never forgotten. Ang Tagamasid. https://atupm.wordpress.com/2024/02/25/edsa38/
[8] Mustaqim. (2025, February 18). EDSA People Power Revolution: a Legacy of courage and unity - Mustaqim. https://mustaqim.com.ph/edsa-people-power-revolution-a-legacy-of-courage-and-unity/
[9] Rose Carmelle Lacuata, ABS-CBN News. (2024, October 28). ‘EDSA Revolution needs to be remembered all the more’ | ABS-CBN. ABS-CBN. https://www.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/02/25/23/edsa-revolution-needs-to-be-remembered-all-the-more
[10] Olivares, J.P. (2020, February 28). Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, Quezon City: Monuments to the EDSA People Power Revolution and Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, Our Lady of EDSA. Lakbay Ng Lakan. https://lakansining.wordpress.com/2020/01/28/epifanio-de-los-santos-avenue-quezon-city-monuments-to-the-edsa-people-power-revolution-and-shrine-of-mary-queen-of-peace-our-lady-of-edsa/
[11] Cruz, E. S. (2025, February 22). The long road to EDSA. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2025/02/23/2423541/long-road-edsa
No comments:
Post a Comment