Pinoys commemorate 33rd anniversary of EDSA People Power revolt

Filipinos on Monday commemorated the 33rd anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution which, in 1986, toppled the then-decades old Marcos regime.

Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Lorna Dino led the wreath-laying ceremony during the gathering in front of the EDSA People Power Monument.

In her speech, Dino, who represented DepEd chief Leonor Briones, encouraged Filipino citizens to assess and remember the lessons of the peaceful revolution, noting that "everyone of us has a chance to do something for the country."

"At this point, I'd like to say alam niyo po ang EDSA Revolution is something that's beautiful to be remembered. Pero it's something we should not do, we should not repeat anymore," she said.

"Kailangan lang po makita natin ano ba talaga 'yung lessons. If we really learned the lessons, these lessons are not supposed to be said. These are lessons that are not supposed to be printed but these are lessons that are supposed to be done by each one of us anywhere we are whatever our positions in life," Dino added.

Some key personalities of the peaceful revolution also attended the program held this morning.

Joey Concepcion III, vice chairman of the EDSA People Power Commission, said Filipinos nowadays are witnessing a "different type of revolution" in the country.

"The transformation from the People Power Revolution that we saw in 1986 is moving forward to a revolution that is creating greater inclusivity for many Filipino people," Concepcion said.

"Our President in his pledge to the Filipino people when he was elected was to bring about a greater inclusive growth, making every Filipino really part of a growing country," he added.

Concepcion further stated that real democracy is essential in bringing the country to greater heights.

"What the people power revolution taught us was the values that are very important in taking us where we are today," he said.

Moreover, Freedom Awards were conferred to National Artist Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, Mariane "Maan" Hontiveros and Eufrosino "Sonny" Camarillo for their respective contributions during the revolt.

Meanwhile, former President Fidel Ramos skipped the ceremony. Ramos, then-Philippine Constabulary chief, played a key role in the ouster of Marcos and the installation of Corazon Aquino to presidency.

Police ensured peace and order in the area by deploying 2,000 policemen. No threats were monitored, according to the National Capital Region Police Office.

Some roads have also been closed this morning for the celebration. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News