CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy has called on Cebuanos to actively participate in commemorations marking the 40th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, emphasizing the event’s enduring significance to the Filipino moral identity. The call comes as civic groups in Cebu prepare a series of events designed to highlight the province’s historical opposition to authoritarian rule.
The Archdiocese of Cebu, in collaboration with the Cebu provincial and Cebu City governments, is coordinating activities through Sugboanong Pakigbisog Kontra Korapsyon (SuPaKK), a coalition dedicated to anti-corruption efforts and civic engagement. SuPaKK volunteer Brenette Abrenica announced that the commemoration will start with a Holy Mass at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño Pilgrim Center on February 25th at 1:45 pm, followed by a synchronized tolling of church bells across all parishes at 3 pm.
“Since we are commemorating four decades, there will be [representatives of] four generations who will speak. They will speak briefly and directly, with a call to action to encourage fellow Filipinos and Cebuanos not to forget what happened in 1986,” Abrenica stated during a press conference at the Archbishop’s Palace on February 21st.
Following the Mass and bell tolling, participants will march from the Basilica to Plaza Independencia for a “Panagtagbo” floral offering, with 1,000 rosaries and flowers to be distributed. The day will conclude with “Yukbo: Ang Konsiyerto,” a concert featuring local musicians.
In a message relayed by Archdiocesan Chancellor Msgr. Renato Beltran, Archbishop Uy outlined three key reasons for Cebuanos to participate. He asserted that EDSA remains a fundamental part of the Filipino moral identity, representing a “moral stand that showed the world Filipinos, guided by conscience, prayer, and unity, could reject dictatorship, corruption, and abuse of power without violence.” Uy further stated that participation is a way for Cebuanos to affirm their belief in the importance of truth, integrity, and human dignity.
Uy also warned that the freedoms secured by EDSA remain vulnerable. “Forty years after EDSA, corruption and abuse of power remain real. Poverty persists. Trust in institutions is fragile,” he said, emphasizing that freedom requires constant vigilance and that EDSA was “the beginning of a responsibility” to safeguard democracy through daily actions.
The Archbishop underscored the importance of transmitting the memory of EDSA to future generations. “Our children and young people are learning from what we choose to remember — or forget,” he said. “If we do not show them that EDSA still matters, they may grow up thinking that corruption is normal, that abuse of power is acceptable, and that silence is safer than courage.” He urged Cebuanos to choose “memory over forgetfulness, courage over indifference, and hope over cynicism.”
Organizers emphasized the strictly non-partisan nature of the February 25th commemoration. No public officials are scheduled to speak at the events. Association of Consecrated Men of Cebu president Fr. Jose “Baggy” Bagadiong explained that visible political participation could create perceptions of bias and discourage broader public involvement. “When activities are interpreted as partisan, people tend to withdraw, and the credibility of the cause is affected,” he said.
Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) president Jay Pujanes clarified that the activities will not include calls for any specific official to resign, stating that the focus is on systemic issues rather than individuals. Pujanes cautioned against focusing solely on demands for resignation, arguing that such calls can divert attention from broader structural problems and encourage superficial solutions. He stressed the importance of responsible voting and holding elected officials accountable for their actions.
