UP System Seeks to Honor EDSA Revolution with Alternative Learning Day
Sectoral regents of the UP system ask UP President Angelo Jimenez to declare February 25 a non-working holiday and an alternative learning day in the entire state university
UP Cebu Leads in Commemorating EDSA Anniversary
In Cebu, the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu has taken the lead by declaring February 25, 2025, as a suspension of classes and work. This move comes amidst the 39th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, which marked the end of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s dictatorship and restored democracy in the Philippines.
Unlike the Marcos administration, which downgraded the celebration to a “special working day,” UP Cebu aims to honor this significant event. Chancellor Leo Malagar, in an administrative order dated February 18, declared February 25 as a “day of commemoration, remembrance, and reflection” for the university community. This day serves as an opportunity to pause, reflect, and honor the collective action that restored democracy and reaffirm the commitment to freedom, unity, and social justice.
The administrative order also encourages students, faculty, and staff to participate in discussions, forums, and activities that promote historical awareness and critical thinking. Despite the suspension of regular classes, essential university services that require continuous operation will continue to function as usual.
UP Los Baños Follows with Online Classes
Responding to UP Cebu’s announcement, UP Los Baños also made a statement on February 19, 2024. Chancellor Jose Camacho Jr. declared February 25 an Alternative Learning Day, shifting classes to online asynchronous mode. This decision aligns with the spirit of commemorating the EDSA Revolution and encourages faculty to engage in alternative learning activities.
System-Wide Appeal from Sectoral Regents
The regents of the UP system, representing students, faculty, and staff, addressed UP President Angelo Jimenez on February 18. Their plea emphasizes the importance of recognizing the EDSA People Power Revolution as a historically declared non-working holiday. They stress the need to uphold the legacy of the revolution and remember the efforts of past scholars who were instrumental in the struggle against Marcos Sr.’s regime.
“As a historically declared Non-Working Holiday, this is a clear attempt to distort our history and diminish the long struggle of the Filipino people against the Marcos Sr. dictatorship,” the letter reads.
The sectoral regents highlighted the significant role of the university during the Marcos era, mentioning the involvement of scholars in the First Quarter Storm and the Diliman Commune. They also commemorated Iskolars ng Bayan, including Renato Constantino, Voltaire Garcia, Antonio Hilario, Emmanuel Lacaba, Antonio Tagamolila, and Lorena Barros, who fought for the broader cause of freedom and justice.
Call to Action from UP Communities
In a Facebook post, the UP Office of the Student Regent encourages all members of the UP community to participate in the activities and mobilizations set for February 25, 2025. These initiatives aim to keep the spirit of EDSA alive and continue the legacy of the people power movement.
Conclusion: Preserving the Legacy of the EDSA Revolution
The declarations made by UP Cebu and UP Los Baños, along with the appeal from sectoral regents, exemplify a commitment to preserving and teaching the lessons of the EDSA People Power Revolution. These efforts underscore the importance of historical remembrance in nurturing a democratic and responsible society.
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