EDSA People Power Commemoration Week celebrated from February 22 to 25 of every year, is a special week that honors appreciates, and celebrates the series of revolutions and demonstrations in the Philippines. Do you know that this is one of the pivotal moments in Philippine history? Yes, the EDSA People Power Revolution served as a national inspiration, restoring democratic institutions and ushering in significant political, social, and economic reforms in the nation. Many Filipinos retain a particular place in their hearts for this occasion as they recall a revolution that brought democracy back to the country.
History of EDSA People Power Commemoration Week
EDSA Revolution, also called People Power Revolution, Yellow Revolution, Bloodless Revolution, and 1986 Philippine Revolution was a series of demonstrations in the Philippines that occurred due to regime violence and electoral fraud.
It all began in 1965 with the election of President Marcos. People viewed him as corrupt and tyrannical from the moment he came to power. He imposed martial law in the Philippines in 1972 to maintain his hold on power, which set off a period of political persecution, censorship, human rights abuses, and even assassinations. When Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr., his biggest political rival, was returning from the U.S. after receiving medical treatment, he was shot and killed at Manila International Airport in 1983. As the opposition movement rallied around the widow of Aquino, this occasion served as a turning point for the destiny of the nation. To regain his popularity, Marcos staged a rigged election in 1986 that is regarded as one of the most dishonest in Philippine history. The army, religious leaders, and a large number of Marcos’ former clergy demanded that he be removed from office.
This sparked widespread demonstrations around the nation, and demonstrators stopped Manila’s main avenue, Epifanio de Los Santos Avenue (EDSA). Cities across the nation witnessed variations of this scene. After four days, Marcos resigned and left the country. On February 25, 1986, Corazon Aquino took office as the eleventh president of the Philippines. Starting in 2019, this event has been designated a special day off from work.
EDSA People Power Commemoration Week timeline
President Marcos comes to power in the Philippines.
Marcos engages in censorship, assassinations, and human rights violations.
Marcos conducts a rigged election, gaining the hate of all people and that leads to his eventual exit.
Corazon Aquino becomes the first female President of the Philippines.
EDSA People Power Commemoration Week FAQs
What is EDSA 2 Revolution?
The second EDSA Revolution happened in 2001. It was a political protest that took place from January 17 to 20 and overthrew the government of Joseph Estrada, the thirteenth president of the Philippines.
Why is EDSA called EDSA?
Because of the nonviolent demonstrations that occurred on ‘Epifanio de Los Santos Avenue’ (EDSA), which connects the South Luzon Expressway at the Magallanes Interchange to the North Luzon Expressway at the Balintawak Interchange.
How important is the EDSA revolution in the Philippines?
In 1986, millions of Filipinos from all walks of life marched along EDSA, an important road, to end the dictatorship of President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
EDSA People Power Commemoration Week Activities
Spread Awareness
By raising awareness of the EDSA People Power revolution, you can commemorate EDSA People Power Commemoration Week to the fullest. Additionally, you can pay tribute to the change's catalysts.
Wear yellow
Many people celebrate this day by wearing yellow which is the official color of the rival political group that changed the government. Wearing yellow is therefore a great way to honor this day.
Share your story
If you were a part of the revolution, you can use social media to tell the world about your experience as well as other noteworthy events and recollections. People will learn more about the day through this.
5 Intriguing Facts About The EDSA Revolution
There’s a story behind wearing yellow
The yellow ribbon idea came from the song ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree.’
The meaning behind the L-shaped hand sign
The L-shaped hand sign used during the revolution meant LABAN, the political party.
There were some iconic songs
“Bayan Ko” and “Magkaisa” stand out as the two songs that inspired the revolution to take off as it did.
The consecrated shrine
EDSA Shrine was formally consecrated as the Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace.
The revolution was given a media black-out
Only one radio station, Radio Veritas, was brave enough to provide coverage during the revolution.
Why We Love EDSA People Power Commemoration Week
It’s all about history!
It is a national holiday that celebrates freedom and breaking the chains of oppression. It came as a result of the effort, struggle, and sacrifice of thousands of people.
It is a day to celebrate
The day is marked by festivals and celebrations. This gives you a reason to celebrate and enjoy freedom.
It a day to remember
EDSA People Power Commemoration Week is not just a week to celebrate freedom, it’s also a day to remember, honor, and appreciate the people behind it. Without them, the Philippines would not be the same as it is today.
EDSA People Power Commemoration Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | February 22 | Thursday |
| 2025 | February 22 | Saturday |
| 2026 | February 22 | Sunday |
| 2027 | February 22 | Monday |
| 2028 | February 22 | Tuesday |
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