The 1986 People Power Revolution was the start, not the end, of positive change for Filipinos, former President Fidel V. Ramos said yesterday.
“Unang una, ‘yung ating 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution ay simula lamang ng pagbabago, hindi ang katapusan,” Ramos said in a speech during the commemorative program of the 32nd anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution at the People Power Monument on EDSA, Quezon City.
Ramos led the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies during the program headed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. He was conferred the People’s Power Heroes Award for his role in the revolt which ended the regime of President Ferdinand E. Marcos in the event.
The Chief Executive from 1992 to 1998 also led the “Salubungan” or the annual reenactment of the union of people’s forces. Salubugan is the annual reenactment of the union of the people’s forces in the ouster of Marcos.
The program was attended by at least 4,000 people, according to Quezon City Police District director Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar.
“We are just beginning. The outcome, which is a better future for all Filipinos, must be done by all succeeding presidential administrations,” Ramos said.
He reminded the public and the youth to keep in mind unity, solidarity, and teamwork in the community, values taught by the 1986 revolution.
Meanwhile, the 32nd anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution was generally peaceful with no untoward incidents recorded amid the mass protests held nationwide, according to the Philippine National Police.
“No any untoward incident was recorded nationwide as we commemorate the People Power Revolution,” said Chief Supt. John Bulalacao, PNP spokesperson. (Alexandria Dennise San Juan)