THE evident lack of interest, much less enthusiasm, in the 20th Anniversary Celebration of our first People Power Revolution (EDSA-I) on the part of many of our people is deplorable – and inexcusable for officials elected to high positions in Government, starting with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. According to media reports quoting Presidential Spokesman and Press Secretary Toting Bunye, "President Arroyo has chosen to commemorate this special occasion quietly, without fanfare, by going to the people, looking after their needs and hearing their views." Earlier, news stories indicated that the President’s schedule included a wreath-laying ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani and out-of-town trips to inaugurate government projects in Cebu and Mindanao. I hope PGMA is not thinking of using the LNMB and the departed heroes of the AFP and the PNP buried there as a mere prop or lame excuse to prove her commitment to the Spirit of EDSA. The Malacañang announcement related to "being out-of-town" sounds too much like escapism to avoid a probable meeting with former President Cory Aquino, now turned Arroyo-critic, or the likely spectacle of a sparse crowd consisting of Metro Manila officials and their "hakots" at the People Power Monument. And how about the aborted trips to the U.S. and Saudi Arabia – what’s the official score?
I do not think any EDSA veteran from the military and the police, including myself, crave for a 4-day "fiesta" or "ego-trip" as what some smart aleck opinion-writers would want our people to believe. No, nothing of the kind. Those who were direct participants in the events of February 1986, thousands of civilians included, would rather want to see the 20th EDSA Commemoration devoted to nationwide thanksgiving and people’s activities: Job fairs, SME exhibits, sports tournaments, the bonding of civilians with soldiers and policemen in our provincial capitals and military camps, and the enculturation of younger Filipinos as to the true meaning of EDSA I by way of programs and other learning opportunities – as we used to do in earlier years.
Who bears the brunt of responsibility?
If some cynics and skeptics claim that the Spirit of EDSA is now dead or dying, that belief is possibly being reinforced by the casual and off-hand manner which has characterized Government’s treatment of the 20th Anniversary. Critics argue that the EDSA Spirit – reawakened in January 2001 with the removal of a cronyist government yet again peacefully – is no longer alive because the most recent regime change has not improved the lives of ordinary Filipinos, or that the Arroyo administration has failed in the expectations of Filipinos for a better future – in terms of a more bountiful socio-economic condition and truly effective governance.
In my honest view, most are probably justified in feeling pessimism about it all. But, it is the present generation of leaders, from top to bottom, who must bear the brunt of the responsibility. It is ineffective government that must answer for our recent failings – not our two ‘People Power Revolutions.’
A shining example
People power, carried out peacefully as an instrument of democracy, must not be blamed for our current political disunity and economic difficulties but instead, be seen as a unique, not-easily-duplicated Philippine achievement that continues to be held high around the world as a shining example of unity, courage and sacrifice.
Soon after witnessing EDSA I happen with joyful results, a good number of the graduating class of the International School of Manila in May 1986 (who represented 42 nationalities) declared: "I want to be a Filipino!" And in Davos, Switzerland in January 2001 after EDSA II, many of the eminent leaders and civil society representatives who participated inquired admiringly: "How do you Filipinos manage to do it – regime change without bloodshed or violence?"
Turning our backs against the Spirit of EDSA and to blame it for our country’s ills today would be tantamount to debasing the Spirit of 1896 ignited by the intellect of Jose Rizal, the valor of Andres Bonifacio, and the resoluteness of Emilio Aguinaldo. It would also insult the Spirit of Bataan exemplified by the heroism and suffering of those who walked the Death March and fought a nationwide guerrilla struggle against a foreign invader for three painful years.
In 1989, President Aquino convened the first International Conference of the Newly Restored Democracies with the late Secretary of Foreign Affairs Raul Manglapus as the primary action officer. The leaders of 14 new democracies attended that first conference in Manila. The next, in 1993, was organized by Nicaraguan President Chamorro in Managua where 45 countries assembled. Romanian President Constantinescu in 1997 hosted 74 nations in Bucharest for the gathering of the Newly-Restored Democracies... And the numbers continue to increase.
Our continuing revolution
In August 2002, I compiled into one book entitled, "Our Continuing Revolution" (Volume 9 of 10 volumes) selected articles and speeches stating the challenge for the present crop of leaders and concerned young Filipinos who must now show the way towards the fulfillment of Philippine democracy, security, and prosperity. Remembering EDSA on 25 February 1993, I stated: "The Spirit of EDSA emanates from the Filipinos’ act of selfless giving – of believing that change could be achieved through peaceful and non-violent means." Indeed, there are those who continue to be cynical of the EDSA experience, who say that the magic of EDSA has been lost. Let me now reach out to them, despite their narrow and short-sighted attitudes – for them to join in our people’s crusade and aspirations to move our country forward. Yes, we may have won the struggles at EDSA in February 1986 and January 2001, but we have yet to win – through our united effort – the war against poverty, inequity and injustice. For those who staked their lives and their futures for the cause of freedom, none can ever abandon the Spirit of EDSA nor ever forget what EDSA stands for. The three great branches of government – the executive, the legislative, and the judicial – must themselves tread the road of unity with our people. They must commit themselves to share not just political power – but political responsibility.
Towards the end of my term in February 1998, on the occasion of the 12th EDSA I Anniversary, I recalled: "I walked this historic highway 12 years ago, humbled by the outpouring of bravery of hundreds of thousands of ordinary men, women, and children. Even as I knew that People Power would prevail, I recognized that the greater battle to strengthen our reinvigorated democracy had just began. The collective effort of our people resulted in significant changes over the last five-and-a-half years (1992-1998): our steady economic growth, the spreading of the fruits of progress throughout our 79 provinces, the modernization of our infrastructures, and our resolute pursuit of an enduring peace among our remaining disaffected brothers and sisters."
We are still in the midst of that struggle. We made our stand at EDSA for the same reason that our forefathers rose in revolt in 1896 – because we Filipinos love our freedom and cherish our independence. The events of February 1986 were not all that different from the defiant actions of the Katipunan at Pugad Lawin in August 1896. Both tested the mettle of the Filipino. In both instances, we managed to overcome. We not only showed to the rest of the world what Filipinos could do, but also inspired movements that would have liberating repercussions the world over.
God’s presence
Many people who took part in the EDSA I Revolution will attest that God’s presence at that time was almost palpable. In the quiet of their hearts during those uncertain days, they had silently offered their lives to God for their country’s well-being. Out of the shared experience at EDSA came a sense of unity that we all wish we could permanently recapture. But individuals and nations cannot always be on a "high." Life cannot really last that long at the loftiest heights. We must come down from the mountain and face the real challenge of living, as we go about our daily tasks and the normal duties of common citizens – being good at whatever we do, and doing it with dedication and commitment. In our heart of hearts, we all know this to be true, but we need to remind ourselves of it, to revitalize the Spirit of EDSA in ourselves and among ourselves, to renew our pledge of service to the nation, to rise once again above self, to work for the common good. EDSA showed that Filipinos want to live in freedom and peace. We want to see justice done, and the rule of law respected. We want to bring up our families with decency; to be secure in our homes, workplaces, and in the streets. These are all simple, but unifying aspirations. When we neglect them, we degrade what is best in ourselves, we betray the Spirit of EDSA, and we fail to faithfully serve God, country, and people. The annual celebration of our People Power Revolution gives us the opportunity to reflect on its true meaning, and to apply the Spirit of EDSA in serving the nation. Years after the miracle at EDSA, we cannot afford to be uncaring. We experienced a miracle, and watched it unfold – not just once, but twice. Let us therefore implore the Good Lord – who seems to have a special place in His heart for Filipinos – to enable us to pursue our aspirations for a better life with unswerving determination.
But, let us also remember that we must perform as we pray, and pray as we perform. NASA DIYOS ANG AWA, NASA TAO ANG GAWA!
Please send any comments to rpdev@skyinet.net.
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