Unity, solidarity, teamwork are EDSA 1’s core values —Fidel Ramos

Unity, solidarity and teamwork in nation building—these are the values from the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution that former President Fidel Ramos on Sunday reminded Filipinos to learn by heart, exactly 32 years after the bloodless uprising toppled a two-decade dictatorship.

In his speech during the commemoration of the 32nd anniversary of the historic event at the People Power Monument in Quezon City, Ramos said the 1986 People Power Revolution was only the beginning of change.

"Hindi yan ang katapusan. Sabi ni Prof. Winnie Monsod, we're just beginning. The outcome is a better future for all Filipinos," he said.

"Don't forget what we learned at EDSA that is still going on is the unity of the Filipinos for a better future. Kaya niyo ba ito? Kayang-kaya," he added.

Ramos, who was awarded the People's Power Heroes Award during the event, played a key role in the 1986 uprising.

He, along with then-Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile, turned his back on the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos and called on Filipinos to unite against the dictatorial government.

Aside from unity, Ramos also reminded Filipinos about solidarity in values.

"Anong values? Love of God. Ang gusto kong sabihin, love of God, love of people, love of country, makabayan at maka-kalikasan."

Lastly, Ramos also talked about teamwork in community development, which he said is also crucial in achieving a better future for the nation.

"Walang Ilokano, walang Tagalog, walang Dabaweno, walang Cebuano, walang Ilonggo. Lahat tayo Pilipino, yun ang gusto kong sabihin," he added. 

"[There will be a] better future for all Filipinos through unity, solidarity in values, love of God," he added.

In an interview, Ramos pointed out that President Rodrigo Duterte should have attended the commemoration program.

"They should all be here, on this day, because, they're elsewhere, and this is the most important."

It was the second time that Duterte skipped the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution commemoration program after he was elected president in 2016.

Ramos, however, said that sees nothing authoritarian in the administration of Duterte.

"Walang authoritarian dito," he said. "He's on his honeymoon [period]."

For four days from February 22-25, 1986, millions of Filipinos trooped to the stretch of Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue to hold demonstrations which ended the more than 20-year dictatorial rule of Marcos.

It culminated in millions gathering at EDSA to call for Marcos' ouster and to the swearing-in of Cory Aquino, the widow of slain Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., as president of the Philippines and the Marcos family fleeing Malacañang to end their rule. —LBG, GMA News