For EDSA 36, Duterte honors those who maintain its legacy; Robredo says EDSA spirit lives on
President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo sent out their messages for the 36th anniversary of EDSA People Power Revolution.
In a speech, Duterte urged Filipinos to pay tribute to present-day heroes who continue to keep the legacy alive of the EDSA People Power Revolution.
"As we honor the courage and solidarity of those who have come before us and fought to uphold our democracy, let us also honor and thank those who continue to keep alive the legacy of this largely peaceful and non-violent revolution," Duterte said in his message.
President Duterte encourages the Filipino people to honor those who fought and those who are still fighting to keep the revolution’s legacy, as the country marks the 36th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on Friday. pic.twitter.com/KSUzr77hqX
— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) February 25, 2022
Duterte cited as examples public servants who "embody the true essence of People Power." Among those are "honest and effective" politicians, first responders, community volunteers, and essential workers and frontliners.
“Let us emulate their heroism, selflessness and compassion as we strive to recover from our present challenges and march forward to a better Philippines for all,” he said.
He also said that the celebration serves as "a strong reminder that with unity, cooperation and faith, there is nothing that we cannot collectively achieve for the greater good of our country."
Vice President Leni Robredo, meanwhile, said the spirit of EDSA is very much alive through people who feed the hungry, give a hand to victims of calamity, as well as public officials who strive for a clean government.
"Puso at pagmamahal ang nagdala ng tagumpay ng bayan sa EDSA," Robredo said in her EDSA anniversary message. "At tuwing isinasabuhay natin ang pagmamahal na ito— People Power man o People’s Campaign; sa mapayapang rebolusyon man o napakahalagang halalan—kaisa natin ang lahat ng henerasyong nauna at susunod pa: Sa pagtindig, pagkakapit-bisig, at pagbubukas ng loob sa kapwa, sa ngalan ng isang maunlad, mapagpalaya, at makataong bukas."
Robredo also pointed out that the 36th EDSA People Power Revolution is more than just a name.
"Ang kuwento ng EDSA, kuwento ng pagtindig at paglaban para sa pangarap ng paglaya. Kuwento ito ng pagkakaisa," she said, "ng kabataan at matatanda, ng buong bansa, ng mga madreng lumuluhod sa harap ng baril at sa mga sundalong di mapigilang maluha nang sabitan ng rosaryo ang mga baril na ito. Kuwento ito ng pagmamahal."
The EDSA People Power Revolution was a series of so-called bloodless demonstrations from Feb. 22 to 25, 1986, which toppled the 20-year dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.