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Ghio Ong - The Philippine Star
February 25, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — This year, the EDSA Shrine will emphasize the “spiritual component” of the EDSA people power revolution, which ended Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorship 39 years ago.
Masses will be held at 7 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. today, according to Fr. Jerome Secillano, rector of the EDSA Shrine, also known as the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace.
The 10 a.m. mass will be attended by officials of the Commission on Human Rights, while the 6 p.m. mass will be led by Bishop Broderick Pabillo, vicar of Taytay in Palawan.
Secillano noted that the shrine’s focus on faith stems from the belief that the Blessed Virgin Mary played a key role in the peaceful uprising, as articulated by then Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin.
While details about other planned activities, such as rallies and speeches at the People Power Monument at EDSA and White Plains Avenue in Quezon City, remain uncertain, Secillano confirmed in an interview over radio dzRH that the shrine would also host events like the visit of Our Lady of Fatima from Valenzuela City.
The shrine will also hold a feast, which, the rector said, recalls the essence of sharing and prayer that defined the spirit of the revolution almost four decades ago.
The EDSA Shrine, located at the corner of EDSA and Ortigas Avenue, was established on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception in 1989, more than three years after the revolution that led to the assumption of Corazon Aquino, the country’s first female president.
It was canonically crowned by the Vatican on the 38th anniversary of the EDSA people power revolution last year.
EDSA’s importance
In a recent Facebook post, Secillano warned that the memory of the EDSA people power revolution is now at risk of becoming a mere political footnote in the country’s history as opposing opinions on its significance continue to emerge.
Despite differing views, he stressed its importance, saying, “We can debate, agree or disagree about the merits of that People Power, but we should not deny the fact it gave us a fresh start – the moral authority to right the wrongs and the political capital to effect social change, to no avail.”
Secillano also pointed out that today’s younger generation are either unaware of or indifferent to the significance of the historic event, a trend he attributes to the influence of historical revisionists who distort the facts.
“The revolution is subtly being eased out of our nation’s memory while its debasement by unscrupulous forces linger,” he said.
Echoing Secillano’s sentiments, former House deputy speaker Lito Atienza urged Filipinos to “cherish and honor the memory of EDSA, which not only galvanized our country but also set a shining example for others to emulate.”
“The Filipino youth should be made aware of the People Power Revolution which proved that Filipinos are capable of doing what is best for our country and our people,” said the former Manila mayor.
“This peaceful revolution united Filipinos in fighting for their freedom and inspired countries in similar situations to follow suit,” he added.
However, Fr. Aris Sison, spokesperson for the Diocese of Cubao, offered a different perspective on the youth’s awareness of EDSA’s significance.
In an interview with “Storycon” on One News on Monday, Sison expressed his belief that the decision by various schools to declare Feb. 25 as a holiday reflects the Filipino people’s commitment to preserving the historical significance of the 1986 revolution.
“It’s the people on their own saying that even if it is not the holiday, we will go out,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.
President Marcos, son and namesake of the dictator ousted in the 1986 uprising, declared today a “special working holiday.”
Despite this, numerous schools—particularly those near the EDSA Shrine—have suspended classes and encouraged their communities to participate in activities commemorating the revolution’s 39th anniversary.
“That’s what schools are trying to do on their own now. To let the students know and value what happened in 1986,” Sison said.
“We all have our own reasons. All of us – church, schools, media –should reawaken what happened at EDSA… For all of us who were there, we know that it is not just drama. That was a very important event of our life,” he added.
No work, no pay today
With the 39th anniversary of the EDSA people power revolution declared a special working day, workers who choose not to report for work today will not receive any pay, the Department of Labor and Employment reported.
In an advisory, DOLE clarified that Feb. 25, which marks the anniversary of the country’s return to democracy, is “considered an ordinary working day” for wage and benefit purposes.
Therefore, if the employee does not work, according to DOLE, the no work, no pay principle shall apply unless there is a company policy, practice or collective bargaining agreement that provides payment on a special working day.
Traditionally, Feb. 25 has been observed as a special non-working holiday to commemorate the EDSA people power revolution. However, the present Marcos administration has changed its status to a special working day “to reduce the number of non-working holidays and ensure economic productivity.” — Evelyn Macairan, Janvic Mateo, Mayen Jaymalin, Delon Porcalla
