Provincial Capitol Grounds, Cebu City
25 February 2014
Recalling the events that ignited a peaceful victory against martial law, President Benigno S. Aquino III led the 28th anniversary celebration of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution held in the provincial capitol grounds of Cebu.
In his remarks, the President imparted how the Cebuanos became an important part of the country’s fight for freedom. In 1983, his mother, former President Corazon Aquino, went to Cebu to propose the civil disobedience campaign against the crony firms of the Marcos regime. “Kung sasabihin natin ang huling yugto o huling kabanata ng pakikipaglabang maibalik ang demokrasya ay nangyari sa EDSA, pwede rin nating sigurong masabi ang unang yugto nag-umpisa naman sa Cebu,” he said.
He also added that the essence of the People Power sparked sacrifices for one’s fellowmen, like the volunteer works rendered after a series of calamities that struck the country last year.
Bearing the theme “Kapit-Bisig Tungo Sa Pagbangon”, the heart of the anniversary program this year falls on recognizing the heroes who silently kept the spirit of EDSA aflame by standing by their fellow Filipinos in times of greatest need. Unlike the previous EDSA commemorations, this is the first time that the celebration is observed outside Metro Manila.
Joining the President are Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., former Senator Butz Aquino and other members of the Cabinet.
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