Highway of hope: Celebrating 40 years since the EDSA revolution

The term “democracy” comes from Greek roots, meaning “power to the people.” The Philippines is a democratic country, but there was a time when this power was denied to its people. Rather than giving power to the ordinary citizens, tyranny governed the nation. But on this day, 40 years ago, our countrymen showed the world what it truly meant to wield that power as thousands of Filipinos protested along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) to reclaim their freedom from an authoritarian rule and leave a permanent mark in the annals of Philippine history. 

The People Power Revolution is a four-day protest against the dictatorship of then-President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. His declaration of “Martial Law” in 1972 led to widespread fear, censorship, corruption, and human rights abuses that went on for 14 years. Key moments such as the assassination of the opposition leader, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., the “rigged” results of the snap elections of 1986, the withdrawal of support of key military leaders Juan Ponce Enrile and Fidel Ramos, and the heeding of the church and its leaders led to the ultimate decision to oust the dictator from his position. It was a testament and a stark reminder for us of how the Filipino people will no longer tolerate the injustice they faced or will face. 

This day marks 40 years since the historic revolt; since the highway became a ground for what is known as the most peaceful revolution in human history. This made the revolution remarkable and globally acknowledged. Civilians faced tanks with their arms interlocked into a human barricade, priests held masses in front of military camps, nuns kneeled down and sang prayers and songs to armed soldiers, and children waved ribbons in the air, all in the hope of amplifying their voice. It was a true expression of strength in numbers. To add to the feats this revolution has achieved, the People Power Revolution inspired other peaceful movements worldwide and became a strong example of people-led change. 

Yet decades later, EDSA remains both a celebration and a question. Has the promise of People Power been fully realized? A revolution’s legacy, after all, is determined by what has changed, and even today, this continues to be tested. But it remains still and undeniable, the memory lingers along that stretch of concrete: EDSA is more than a road choked by vehicular smoke and blinding lights; it carries an important symbolism – it is a highway of hope.

As the songs and protests of our countrymen echo through EDSA once more, may we remember the most significant lesson they left for us Filipinos: Never forget, Never again.