Catholic schools encouraged to organize EDSA 40 activities

Catholic schools and educational institutions have been urged to declare February 25 an academic holiday to mark the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, as church-led education groups called for reflection, civic formation, and renewed vigilance in defending democracy.

In a joint statement, “EDSA Kwaren­ta: Fight for Democracy,” the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) and the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Catholic Education (CBCP-ECCE) urged Catholic schools to suspend regular classes on February 25 and instead hold activities that deepen students’ understanding of the country’s democratic struggle.

The groups said the commemoration of 40th anniversary of the people power revolution comes at a critical time, as "democratic values face renewed threats from historical distortion, disinformation, and governance failures."

“As we, a nation of free people and restored dignity, reverently commemorate the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, we return in memory to the historical Epifanio de los Santos Avenue where millions gathered in faith, prayer, and determination to reclaim our freedom,” the statement read.

The education groups recalled the moral leadership of the Church during the 1986 uprising, citing the role of Radio Veritas, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, and the late Cardinal Jaime Sin in mobilizing Filipinos to peacefully resist dictatorship.

“EDSA was a ‘Rosary miracle,’ a triumph of peaceful resistance over dictatorship,” the statement said, describing the revolt as a defining moment when ordinary citizens, families, religious leaders, and youth stood unarmed against violence and repression.

Forty years on, the groups warned that democracy cannot be taken for granted.

“Democracy is never self-sustaining. It demands vigilance, active participation, and fidelity to truth,” the statement said, adding that forgetting the lessons of Martial Law or tolerating corruption and disinformation threatens freedoms won through peaceful struggle.

CEAP and CBCP-ECCE called on Catholic schools to use February 25 to organize Masses, youth forums, and other activities that promote ethical discernment, critical thinking, and active citizenship.

“Students and the youth, as heirs of democratic space, must cultivate the knowledge, values, and resolve to challenge injustice, misinformation, and authoritarian tendencies,” the group said.

The groups also appealed to civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and media practitioners to continue defending civil liberties and press freedom, which they described as essential safeguards against abuse of power.

In addition, they called on the military and police to remain loyal to the Constitution, urged business leaders to uphold ethical practices and transparency, and pressed lawmakers to act against political dynasties and corruption while investing in education as a pillar of people empowerment.

“EDSA is not only a commemoration, it is an unfinished movement,” the statement said, urging Filipinos across sectors to resist historical revisionism and actively protect democratic principles. — BAP, GMA Integrated News