Holiday or not, remember 1986 people power revolt'

Filipinos should still commemorate the 1986 EDSA people power revolution even though its anniversary this year was not listed as a holiday by Malacañang, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) said yesterday.

- DAPHNE GALVEZ

According to Ian Christopher Alfonso, officer in charge of the NHCP’s research, publications and heraldry division, Filipinos should remember and honor the uprising that ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and forced his family into exile.

“A holiday or not, the essence of the EDSA people power revolution should be remembered. Remembering does not only happen during wreath-laying or flag-raising ceremonies; this is embodied in our everyday lives. What is the spirit of EDSA, what became of it, what was the benefit for the Filipino people?” he said in an interview.

The NHCP led a flagraising and wreath-laying ceremony at the People Power Monument yesterday morning, which was attended by officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Quezon City government.

“We hope that the memory remains, especially what we benefitted from the 1986 Revolution. We hope Filipinos will continue to appreciate it,” he said.

Apart from the government, several groups also gathered at the monument, including members of the August Twenty One Movement (ATOM), of which one of the founders was Butz Aquino, the brother of slain senator Ninoy Aquino.