MANILA, Philippines — President Aquino underscored the significant role of music in the success of the Edsa People Power Revolution 25 years ago.

Aquino joined the live musical variety show Friday night at the People Power Monument as part of the silver anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution.

Aquino said though songs like “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo” and “Bayan Ko” may now sound too old to the new generation, these songs are part of the country’s history because it helped topple a 20-year dictatorship.

He recalled that because there was limited access to information during Martial law, Filipinos had been more inspired to write songs and use them to criticize discrimination, injustice, corruption and poverty. “It’s not just entertainment but a part of our life as Filipinos,” he said.

Aquino said the 1986 Edsa People Power revolution has inspired other countries to free its people from dictatorship, citing the recent developments in Egypt, which ended the 30-year rule of its
President Hosni Mubarak following street protests by its people demanding his resignation.

He meanwhile said the youth has a significant role in ensuring that the spirit of Edsa is kept alive, encouraging them to participate in uplifting the country.

“Ang kabataan ang inaasahang magpapatuloy ng laban. Nagalalatag tayo ngayon ng reporma para hindi masayang ang tagumpay ng Edsa [The youth are expected to carry on this fight. We are now instigating reforms to ensure that the success of Edsa will not be put to waste],” Aquino said. “Be part of the solution, not the problem,” he added.