The 40th anniversary of the historic EDSA People Power uprising arrives against a backdrop of political tension that echoes past struggles, according to the National Union of Students of the Philippines. In a statement released today, the organization highlighted what it describes as a troubling recurrence: with another Marcos in power, widespread government corruption and economic crises are allegedly impacting ordinary Filipinos, while authoritarian threats loom large.
Educators and Students Called to Action
In this charged environment, educators are urged to shoulder a heightened responsibility. Their role extends beyond mere instruction; they must help the new generation not only recognize historical patterns but also empower them to break free from cyclical political challenges. February 25 should not be treated as just another ordinary working day or a disconnected holiday, the union emphasizes. Instead, it presents a crucial opportunity to cultivate historical consciousness and inspire proactive engagement, moving beyond the routine cycles of work and leisure.
Proposal for a Day of Remembrance
The National Union of Students of the Philippines is making a formal appeal to educational institutions across the country. They are calling on schools and universities to officially declare February 25 as a Day of Remembrance and Action. This initiative includes endorsing student-led activities tied to the EDSA People Power Commemoration and actively encouraging student participation in protests leading up to and on that significant date.
Furthermore, the union is urging school administrators to create and maintain an environment where students can freely organize and mobilize for their advocacies. This freedom must be protected from any fear of retribution, whether from state authorities or the educational institutions themselves. Upholding this right is framed as an essential component of academic freedom and a fundamental constitutional guarantee for all Filipinos, applicable both on and off campus.
Challenges to Student Activism
Recent months have seen students report increasing incidents of state-sponsored red-tagging and black propaganda, compounded by repressive handbook policies that restrict free speech and assembly. Specific bans on students freely joining or forming organizations have been highlighted as particularly concerning. The union strongly rejects any attempts by the state to transform universities into instruments of repression, arguing that such measures undermine the very purpose of higher education.
Student activism should be embraced with pride by educational institutions as an integral part of the learning process, not viewed as a potential threat to their reputation. The union calls on fellow students to courageously take a stand regardless of the circumstances, countering state narratives that suggest the youth are merely brainwashed. Students possess the agency to act decisively, especially when their present and future are at stake.
Historical Parallels and Collective Will
Drawing inspiration from history, the union notes that the heroes of the Martial Law era did not wait for class suspensions or university directives before taking action. The true spirit of EDSA, they assert, is not defined by institutional declarations but by the collective will of the people. This call to action extends beyond campuses, urging proactive engagement in forwarding genuine social change—from schools to communities and onto the streets.
In summary, the National Union of Students of the Philippines positions the 40th EDSA anniversary as a pivotal moment for reflection and mobilization, advocating for a robust defense of student rights and a recommitment to the principles of democracy and social justice.
