Church urges youth to lead social change at EDSA anniversary

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Bishop Patricio Buzon of the Diocese of Bacolod called on the youth to take an active role in championing social change by ending corruption and choosing the right leaders, as thousands gathered across Negros Island to mark the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on Wednesday.

Around 2,850 individuals from various sectors joined the commemoration across the Negros Island Region, according to the Police Regional Office-NIR.

Of the total, 2,100 participants were in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental; 680 in Bacolod City; and 70 in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

Buzon presided over a Holy Mass in front of the Provincial Capitol here before leading a march from South Capitol Road to the public plaza for a short program.

The event honored the spirit of those who chose peace over violence and freedom over fear during the historic 1986 uprising.

The EDSA People Power Revolution of Feb. 22–25, 1986, was a peaceful civilian-military uprising that toppled the authoritarian regime of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and restored democracy in the Philippines. It is widely regarded as one of the most significant nonviolent revolutions in modern history.

In his homily, the bishop urged the faithful to live with integrity and underscored the importance of electing leaders who will genuinely serve the nation.

In an interview, Buzon particularly challenged the younger generation to step forward and safeguard the country’s hard-earned freedom.

“You are not just the hope, but the present of the country. Those 40 years older did their part — please, young people, do your part,” Buzon said, encouraging them to help restore and protect true freedom.

Four decades after EDSA transformed a major highway into a symbol of courage and unity, the Church reminded Filipinos that democracy requires constant care and vigilance.

The celebration, the Church said, was not merely about remembering a historical date but about recognizing that the legacy of EDSA belongs to every Filipino — past, present and future.

Buzon also called on the public to mark the occasion with gratitude to God.

Among the attendees was a student named Paolo, who shared that EDSA remains relevant today as a turning point in the nation’s history.

While circumstances may differ from 40 years ago, he said the revolution continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the people’s collective strength in defending freedom and democracy.

He expressed hope that the commemoration would inspire others, especially the youth, to understand its deeper significance.

“This is not an action of protest, but to commemorate the historical significance of EDSA,” he said.

Mayor Greg Gasataya also marked the 40th EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary, honoring a historic moment when the nation came together in solidarity and showed the world the strength of peaceful action and democratic resolve.

“Four decades later, its spirit continues to inspire us to uphold unity, foster understanding, and work collectively for the good of our country,” he said in a statement.

Five local government units in Negros Occidental suspended work and classes on Wednesday for the observance. These were the towns of Candoni, Isabela, La Castellana, Hinigaran and Hinoba-an. Some Catholic schools here also suspended classes.

PEACEFUL

The PRO-NIR said that all public gatherings related to the 40th anniversary across the region were orderly and peaceful.

In a statement, Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, emphasized that the event reminded Filipinos that democracy thrives when citizens can exercise their rights freely and safely.

“Our personnel were fully committed to ensuring that every participant commemorated this historic event in peace, without fear or disruption,” he added.

A total of 2,127 PRO-NIR personnel were strategically assigned to key locations to ensure comprehensive security coverage.

The regional office strictly implemented public safety protocols, traffic management and crowd control measures in close coordination with local government units and partner agencies, ensuring that the activity proceeded in an orderly, uninterrupted and peaceful manner.

The PRO-NIR noted that the orderly and incident-free conclusion of the gatherings affirmed its unwavering resolve to protect democratic freedoms while upholding law and order.

“It sends a clear message that public safety remains paramount, and every citizen’s right to peaceful assembly will continue to be safeguarded with professionalism, discipline, and vigilance,” it stated.