USTP Jasaan Celebrates 39 Years of People Power and Democracy
By Mary Joy Baring, The Cache Publication, USTP Jasaan
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The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Jasaan (USTP Jasaan) organized an event to commemorate the 39th anniversary of the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) People Power Revolution. The event took place at the Audio-Visual Room of USTP Jasaan on February 25, 2025.
The event, led by the General Education Unit and the University Student Government (USG), began with a reflective talk on history aimed at emphasizing the importance of involving the younger generation. Guest speaker Rogene A. Gonzales, a writer with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication majoring in Journalism, and a member of KAMANDAG (Kaisahan ng Artista at Manunulat na Ayaw sa Development Aggression) and SAKA (Sama-samang Artista para sa Kilusang Agraryo), delivered the keynote speech. He discussed Pag-aalsang EDSA at Kilusang Magbubukid, highlighting the impacts of the Marcos regime and the vital role of farmers resisting oppression.
The event was attended by student representatives from various departments. Faculty members discussed the significance of history, the dangers of individualistic thinking, the spread of social media disinformation, and the need to ensure that the lessons of the past are not forgotten.
The event was attended by student representatives from various departments. Faculty members discussed the significance of history, the dangers of individualistic thinking, the spread of social media disinformation, and the need to ensure that the lessons of the past are not forgotten.
Mary Grace N. Aparece, a first-year Bachelor of Science in Energy Systems Management (BSESM) student, shared her thoughts on this historical event. “Ang EDSA People Power Revolution usa ka hinungdanon nga higayon sa kasaysayan sa Pilipinas, usa ka mapayapang paghimog nga nagwagtang sa diktadurya ni Marcos atong 1986 og kini usa ka katibayan sa gahum sa katawhan
(The EDSA People Power Revolution was a significant event in Philippine history, a peaceful movement that ended Marcos’ dictatorship in 1986, and it stands as proof of the power of the people),” she remarked.
She also emphasized the need for education to preserve the legacy of EDSA and inspire future generations to uphold democracy. “Para sa mga estudyante, naghatag kinig usa ka lesson og ang rights sa pagtindog kung unsa jud ang sakto. Kung about pud sa pag lig-on sa eskwelahan og gobyerno about pag tudlo sa kaniadtong EDSA People Power Revolution, well dapat kinahanglan nga palig-onon sa mga eskwelahan ug gobyerno ang ilang paningkamot sa pagtudlo sa mga estudyante bahin sa EDSA.”
(For students, this provides a lesson and the right to stand for what is truly right. When it comes to strengthening schools and the government in teaching about the EDSA People Power Revolution, schools and the government should enhance their efforts in educating students about EDSA.)
In addition, Mr. Greg Pegarro, Unit Head of the General Education of USTP Jasaan, expressed his insights on the importance of the event, “We must commemorate the EDSA People Power Revolution so that it will not be forgotten.” He also highlighted that, with or without a holiday, people will continue to fight against historical revisionism. “There is no way it has to be erased because the EDSA People Power Revolution is a constant reminder that power is really within the people and not with any leaders who are dictators themselves. We should never be afraid to take part collectively because our power will be greater—as people, as one—when we are united,” he said.
After the symposium, attendees gathered outside the campus registrar’s office for a solemn ceremony featuring candle lighting to honor the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought for democracy and against injustice. Participants held a moment of silence, reflecting on the courage of those who stood for freedom during the EDSA People Power Revolution.
A first-year student, who wished to remain anonymous, shared her emotions during the candle-lighting ceremony and its purpose. “So ang candle is ga-symbolize for peaceful protest which is dili same sa uban protest nga mga verbal and physical ra siya nga point, also hope and freedom for citizens, nga ga-hope pa ug peace especially these days nga daghan na kaayo gakahitabo,” (The candle symbolizes a peaceful protest, which is different from other protests that are only verbal or physical. It also represents hope and freedom for citizens who are still hoping for peace, especially in these times when so many things are happening.) she emphasized.
The commemoration of the 39th EDSA People Power Revolution served as a powerful reminder of the nation’s struggle for democracy and the enduring importance of historical awareness. Through insightful discussions, heartfelt testimonies, and a solemn candle-lighting ceremony, the event emphasized the need to educate future generations about the sacrifices made for freedom. As participants reflected on the past, they were also reminded of their role in preserving truth and resisting historical revisionism.
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