EDSA People Power Revolution: What do Gen Z students learn from it?

IT might be another normal Tuesday at the office or in school for many.

But in case one forgot, Filipinos observe an important event in Philippine history today, February 25: the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. declared today’s commemoration as a special working holiday, which means employees who will not report to work on Tuesday will not receive any pay, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). 

Multiple schools, however, suspended classes to commemorate the EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary.  

Meanwhile, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) led the wreath-laying and flag-raising ceremonies at the People Power Monument in Quezon City.

Thirty-nine years have passed but Gen Z students remembered the historic uprising and shared the lessons they learned from the EDSA People Power Revolution stories they heard from school or elders in the family.

A look back

The People Power Revolution, also known as the EDSA Revolution, saw millions of Filipinos flooding the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) to hold a series of popular demonstrations in the country, from February 22 to 25, 1986. 

Photos from the uprising people see today showed unarmed yet brave Filipinos—composed of nuns, students, and workers, among many others—forming human barricades to demand democracy. 

It was a bloodless uprising that concluded the two-decade administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the father of  Marcos Jr, who placed the entire Philippines under martial law in September 1972.

The People Power Revolution was significant in ousting Marcos Sr., who later fled to Hawaii with his family, and installing Corazon Aquino, widow of slain Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., as the 11th and first woman president of the Philippines.

With a new President, the 1987 Constitution was then ratified to limit the chief executive’s term to six years and prohibit them from running for president again. 

Under the Constitution, the president can only declare martial law based on two circumstances: in case of invasion or rebellion and when the public safety requires it. It is only effective for 60 days.

Learnings from the EDSA Revolution

They may not be born during the EDSA Revolution but Gen Z students are knowledgeable about the historic uprising. Thanks to the personal experiences told by their grandparents or parents and the information they got from school and reliable sources online.

For several college students, the 1986 uprising is “an important event” in the country that helped bring back its democracy.

If there is something they learned from the stories of the EDSA Revolution, Christel Jane Robles said it is knowing the importance of freedom of speech.

“Gamitin natin ‘yung boses natin para ipaglaban ‘yung tama at pagkakaroon ng pakialam sa ating society, sa ating government para sa demokrasya at kalayaan ng ating bansa,” the 22-year-old communication student told republicasia.

Some young individuals believe that it is possible to have another peaceful uprising in the modern age because Gen Zs are active in discussions of political and societal issues, especially through social media platforms.

“Gen Zs are very knowledgeable and aware sa history natin,” said Chynna Basillaje, a 22-year-old communication arts student. “At the same time, they are vocal about the issues and the problems we have in our government.”

But Kurt Lansangan thinks otherwise. The 24-year-old communication student shared with republicasia that he found the youth divided, with some having blind loyalty that makes them ignore the reality and overlook people’s mistakes or wrongdoings.

But how can the youth show the public’s power peacefully in the future?

Computer science student Leo Bernal said they can now utilize social media platforms to “speak up” and “disperse factual information.”

“For example na lang this halalan, we can take this opportunity para po ipakita ‘yung kapangyarihan ng taong-bayan by encouraging voters to choose wisely,” the 21-year-old student said.

A few months from now, Filipino voters—including Gen Zs—are set to select a new set of leaders for national and local posts in the #BotoNgKabataan2025 midterm elections.