Soc Villegas Urges Younger Generation to Uphold EDSA’s Spirit

IN COMMEMORATION of the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas is pushing the youth to be “engaged in matters that affect the nation and the world.” 

Villegas conveyed a strong message to the students, particularly those from Catholic schools, encouraging them to actively participate in the country’s political and social issues. 

He encouraged them not only to commemorate the revolution, but also to take ownership of its values and guarantee that they are still relevant in today’s world, and that the values be demonstrated on a daily basis.

Be Involved, Be Engaged

As per Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) News, the students’ call to action was clear: be engaged, reject wrongdoing, and safeguard the hard-won liberties that have molded the nation today.

“Be involved and be engaged in matters that affect the nation and the world. For us Christians, it is a sin to live only for yourself. Be men and women for others,” Villegas requested from the students.

“Do not tolerate wrongdoing. Resist what is wrong. Choose right even if no one is watching. That is integrity,” added Villegas, a former president of the CBCP.

Furthermore, he encourages youth to pray and believe in God’s ability to bring about positive change. “Do not believe those who say the Church should keep quiet about political matters,” he said.

Uphold EDSA Spirit

The EDSA People Power Revolution of February 22-25, 1986, where millions of Filipinos walked to the streets to peacefully oust the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., remains a turning point in Philippine history. 

The revolution was more than just a political upheaval; it was also a manifestation of the Filipino people’s collective desire for justice, liberty, and human dignity, as his rule had long restricted their rights and freedoms. 

Photo Courtesy: Alex Baluyut

In February 1986, then-Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin urged the public to support two top officials who had withdrawn their support for Marcos.

“The EDSA People Power was not about a political group ousting another political group. It was rather the Catholic faith of peace and love bringing a social revolution without bloodshed,” Villegas explained, discussing the real purpose of the historic 1986 People Power.

Nonetheless, EDSA was more than just a historical event; it is a continuing obligation for future generations to uphold the ideas of democracy, equality, and fairness in all aspects of society. 

Several schools have stated that classes will be suspended today to honor the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution. As this year, it was designated as a special working day.

Malacañang defended President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for not declaring the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution as a special non-working day on Tuesday. 

Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that Marcos’ decision would not impede any activity remembering the historic event, and that the absence of a holiday would not diminish the core of EDSA.