AdU stands against historical revisionism, turns San Marcelino yellow as community remembers EDSA Revolution
Date Posted: February 26, 2025 at 09:11 AM
Photo: Ian Ebuan/ Komunikator
Adamson University reaffirmed its commitment to democracy and historical memory as students, faculty, alumni, and guests gathered at the SV Grounds on February 24 to commemorate the EDSA People Power Revolution.
The event served as a reminder of the nation’s struggle for freedom and the responsibility of future generations to uphold democratic values.
The program underscored the importance of remembering the past to safeguard the future, with speakers emphasizing truth, justice, and civic engagement as pillars of democracy.
Photo: Ian Ebuan/ Komunikator
Human rights lawyer Atty. Jose Manuel "Chel" Diokno, chair of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), recounted the difficulties of youth under Martial Law and the fear that silenced many voices. He reminded students that the rights they enjoy today were hard-won through the sacrifices of those who dared to resist.
"Kung kayo ay kabataan noon, hindi ninyo lubos na ma-enjoy ang inyong kabataan dahil walang kalayaan, at maaari pang mawala ang inyong buhay pati na rin ang mga mahal ninyo sa buhay," he said, recalling the repression of the era. He also noted how fear gripped the nation after the declaration of Martial Law in 1972.
"Doon nawala ang ating karapatan. Pero totoo ang kasabihang may liwanag sa dilim—at kitang-kita ko rin iyon noon. Takot ang lahat. Walang gustong lumaban."
Diokno, whose father, Sen. Jose W. Diokno, was among those arrested during the dictatorship, continues to fight for human rights today.
He also encouraged students to remain vigilant and appreciate the freedoms they now have: "Tuwing bubuksan ninyo ang cellphone, gagawa ng content, magpo-post sa Facebook, TikTok, o YouTube, alalahanin ninyo sila. Kung wala sila, wala rin ang kalayaang tinatamasa ninyo ngayon."
Photo: Ian Ebuan/ Komunikator
Echoing this call for civic responsibility, College of Law Dean Atty. Ana Maria Abad recalled the fear and unrest that gripped the country during Martial Law. She shared how thousands gathered at Santo Domingo Church to mourn the assassination of Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., strengthening their resolve to stand against tyranny.
"Doon, lumakas yung loob namin," she said, describing the growing resistance.
Atty. Abad recounted how widespread protests escalated following the fraudulent 1986 elections, which declared Ferdinand Marcos the winner despite clear public opposition.
"We knew it was a sham. That’s why we all went out to Quirino Grandstand," she recalled, responding to Cory Aquino’s call for civil disobedience.
Listening to patriotic songs from the era, Atty. Abad reflected on how these struggles remain relevant today.
"It brought back so many memories," she admitted, lamenting that similar issues of political and economic instability still plague the country. Despite this, she remains hopeful that Filipinos continue to uphold integrity and justice.
"Marami pa ring Pilipino ang mababait, maka-Diyos, makatao."
Photo: Ian Ebuan/ Komunikator
Meanwhile, student leaders Patricia Timosa, president of AdU PULITIKA, and Justine Estilles, president of the Adamson University Student Government (AUSG), who also addressed the gathering, gave warnings against attempts to erase or distort historical truths.
"Today, we're not just here to commemorate or simply to remember, but to reflect on a significant chapter in our nation's history," Timosa declared.
Timosa and Estilles expressed concern over recent government actions that seemingly downplay the revolution’s significance.
"It has been exactly 38 years since the People Power Revolution, but the current administration is trying to gradually stop the people from remembering what happened," Timosa warned, citing changes in official commemoration efforts.
Estilles quoted AdU President Fr. Daniel Franklin Pilario, CM, emphasizing the role of education in preserving historical truth.
"Education cannot be neutral. It is never a passive act. It is inherently political and deeply tied to human dignity and justice," she said, urging students to be critical thinkers and engaged citizens.
Photo: Ian Ebuan/ Komunikator
The ceremony began with a symbolic march from the SV Grounds, where participants carried protest placards along the sidewalks from the CS Building to ST and SV, paying tribute to the spirit of EDSA.
As night fell, the Adamson community sang iconic People Power anthems like Magkaisa and Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo while lighting candles along San Marcelino Street, leaving them as a lasting reminder of the advocacy.
Live performances by the AdU Acoustic Band, Himig – Musicians of Adamson University, and guest artists enriched the program, setting the tone for a night of reflection and solidarity, followed by the Panalangin Para sa Bayan led by Campus Ministry Director Fr. Nelscon Bisco, CM, as attendees joined in prayer for the nation’s future.
The program ended on a hopeful note with the community singing Liwanag sa Dilim, a song symbolizing the resilience of the Filipino spirit and the role of the youth in shaping a just and democratic society.
