IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 39th EDSA PEOPLE POWER Bikol Ass’n of Catholic Schools support schools and universities

The Bikol Association of Catholic Schools (BACS) expressed its strongest support with Catholic schools and universities across the country as the Filipino people commemorate the 39th bloodless Edsa revolution on February 25, this year.

“We, the Bicol Association of Catholic Schools (BACS), stand in solidarity with Catholic schools across the National Capital Region and throughout our nation as we solemnly commemorate the EDSA People Power Revolution, from September 21, 1972, to February 25, 1986, the Filipino people endured the oppressive rule of President Ferdinand E. Marcos. Under his regime, the educational system was, the nation’s wealth plundered, and countless citizens left in destitution,” the BACS said in a statement here.

Elections were manipulated through coercion dismantled and corruption, and the populace was subdued through pervasive violence and human rights abuses. The conjugal dictatorship and their cronies exploited the country and sapped the hope of Filipino families, the statement said.

Despite our abundant human capital and natural resources, our progress as a nation has been stunted—a legacy of that notorious dictatorship. Marcos Sr. transformed the political system into a tyranny, forsaking the virtues of nobility and statesmanship, it said.

“The Edsa People Power Revolution delivered us from the grips of dictatorship, restoring democracy, lifting curfews, decentralizing government authority, reinstating the three co-equal branches and reinstating the cherished freedom of expression,” the BACS said.

“Today, we must ensure that our current government does not erase or even diminish this paramount chapter in the narrative of the Filipino people. Due to the directive by the Education that has resulted in numerous class suspensions, we in the Bicol Region recognize that further cancellations are untenable. Therefore, we entrust each school with the discretion to decide. What remains crucial is that we honor this profound historical achievement,” the BACS added.

It is essential to acknowledge the pivotal role of the Catholic Church, under the leadership of Jaime Cardinal Sin, who called upon the faithful to assemble for an unbloody revolution at EDSA.

“We owe our gratitude to the valiant Filipino who sacrificed their lives to end the reign of dictatorship, and we must strive to emulate their courage and dedication to our nation. Let us cultivate not only our intellects but also our hearts, embedding them within the public sphere to restore the dignified politics that once existed before the Marcos regime,” the BACS said.

Let our Catholic pedagogy be: to look, to listen, and to love. Dedicate this day to viewing documentaries about Martial Law, engaging with lectures on Catholic social teachings such as Fratelli Tutti and Dilexit Nos, and reflecting deeply upon these teachings, the statement said.

“Additionally, let us perform acts of love in response to what we have witnessed and learned. Start or end the day with prayers and the celebration of the Eucharist. The country is worth praying for,” the BACs said.

The Ateneo de Naga University on Thursday also said that they are with the Bikol Association of Catholic Schools in expressing solidarity with Catholic schools and universities throughout the nation in solemnly commemorating the 39th anniversary of the People Power Revolution.

“With or without a holiday, the significance of this event in the life of our country cannot be erased or diminished. Given many days already lost this school year due to natural calamities and various activities, February 25 will be a regular class and work day at the Ateneo de Naga University,” the ADNU statement in a Facebook post said.

“All academic units shall undertake activities to teach students about the martial law era and the freedoms restored by the EDSA People Power revolution that inspired many freedom movements throughout the world in the late 1980s. As we prepare for the mid-term local and national elections in May, the lessons of that unique moment in history must continue to inspire us to preserve our hard-won freedoms and democratic institutions,” the ADNU said.

The ADNU urged the public to participate in the EDSA Anniversary Mass organized by the University Church on Tuesday, February 25, at 5:00 p.m.

“May February 25 henceforth be regarded not merely as an ordinary holiday or school day, but as one of the most solemn occasions in our academic calendar,” the ADNU said. – BY RHAYDZ BARCIA