More than 3 decades ago, Filipinos ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos and restored democracy in the country through the historic People Power Revolution.

February 25, 1986, was the rapture that ended the tyrannical Marcos rule which was marked by rampant human rights abuses, shameless raids of the country’s coffers and the ironfisted suppression of dissent.

In commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the People Power Revolution, several groups have lined up activities and protests to emphasize the importance of keeping democracy alive . The activities come as the Philippines goes through the high-handed rule of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Here are some of the activities happening:

Galing Pook’s ‘TBH: May Sense pa ba sa Mga Kabataan Ang EDSA?‘

To engage the youth in politics and help highlight the importance of democracy, non-governmental organization Galing Pook will stage a webisode on Wednesday, February 24 from 5-6:30 pm.

The discussion features Executive Director of Center for Youth Advocacy and Networking Rafaela David, community organizer and activist during the Martial Law years Dinky Soliman, Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson of Bay, Laguna Roy Padrid, and SIKLAB Pilipinas founder Saje Molato for Galing Pook’s webisode titled “TBH: May sense pa ba sa mga kabataan ang EDSA?”

Those interested to watch the episode may watch through Galing Pook’s Facebook page.

Active Vista’s exclusive screening of The Kingmaker

Active Vista will host an exclusive virtual screening of Lauren Greenfield’s acclaimed documentary The Kingmaker starting Thursday, February 25. The documentary centers on former first lady Imelda Marcos, and takes an in-depth look at the legacy left behind by the Marcos regime, as well as how their dynasty continues to assert power in today’s government.

Interested viewers may pre-order their tickets at a discounted price of P150 each by filling out this form. The ticket’s regular price is P200. The exclusive virtual screening is available only for viewers in the Philippines.

FSUU Political Science and Economics Society’s ‘The People’s Power: Then and Now‘

Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) Political Science and Economics Society will hold a webinar titled, “The People’s Power: Then and Now” on Thursday, February 25 from 1-4pm.

The webinar will tackle the Filipinos’ historical revolution to topple dictator Marcos, and how the youth can take inspiration from it to improve the country’s situation. The webinar features Loretta Rosales, chair emeritus of the AKBAYAN Citizens Action Party with an opening message by Rep. Lawrence Fortun, representative of Agusan Del Norte (1st District).

Interested attendees may watch the webinar through Facebook live or Zoom. To join the webinar, people may register through: https://forms.gle/QNesMYgWtGt98wP48

UST Department of History’s ‘Ano Ang Ating Narating?‘

After conducting a series of webinars tackling historical events in the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas Department of History will stage its 7th webinar now focused on the People Power Revolution. The webinar titled “Ika-35 Anibersaryo ng EDSA People Power Revolution: Ano ang ating narating?” will tackle the Philippines’ current political climate after the historic revolt.

Professor Jose Torres and Professor Van Ybiernes from the Department of History of De La Salle University, Manila will be speaking in the webinar on Thursday, February 25 from 10 am to 12 pm. 

Interested attendees may register through this link: bit.ly/USTDeptHist7thWebinar-REG. 

March to People Power Monument

Groups such as the College Editors Guild of the Philippines, League of Filipino Students, Anakbayan, and Student Christian movement of the Philippines will be marching to the People Power Monument on Thursday, February 25 to condemn the authoritarian rule of the Duterte administration. The march will start at the Department of National Defense EDSA Gate at 10 am. – with reports from Ysabel Vidor/Rappler.com