Jaro Archdiocese encourages  churches to ring bells for EDSA

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

Iloilo churches will sound the bells of freedom and peace.

The Archdiocese of Jaro confirmed on Thursday that it granted the request of Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. to ring church bells in commemorating the 36th Anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution today, Feb 25, 2022.

In its Facebook page, the Archdiocese of Jaro, Commission on Social Communications said that “upon the request of Gov. Arthur R. Defensor Jr. of the Province of Iloilo to Archbishop Jose Romeo O. Lazo, D.D., we encourage all churches throughout the Archdiocese of Jaro to participate in the simultaneous ringing of church bells on February 25, 2022 at 9:25 in the evening to commemorate the 36th Anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution at the exact time when former President and dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos left the country together with his First Family and their cronies from Malacanang, thus ending 20 years of Marcos dictatorship.”

The commemoration is scheduled a day after the UniTeam, led by its presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., held its grand proclamation rally in Iloilo.

The post added, “may this commemoration revive the spirit of this historic event who is a truthful witness of the nation’s struggle and victory for truth, freedom and democracy.”

On February 21, Defensor wrote Lazo about the provincial government’s plan to remember the People Power Revolution.

“This is also meant to safeguard the truth of history during the martial law years, and remember the struggle for freedom and democracy during those times. It is also meant to preserve the legacy of People Power as an ultimate assertion of the will of the people that charted the course of the country’s history and restored democratic institutions.”

Earlier, it was announced that Iloilo province will hold a “freedom countdown” for the 36th Edsa People Power Revolution.

To be held at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol grounds, the countdown will lead to the exact time Marcos left the country.

Relatedly, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. issued Executive Order No. 165 Series of 2022 for the holding of commemorative activities for the historic people-led revolt that ended the 20-year Marcos dictatorship.

Further, the provincial government, together with the rest of the government offices, and all establishments will display the Philippine flag.

Prior to the freedom countdown, a rally will be held at 8p.m. at the Capitol grounds.

There will also be a noise barrage at 9:25p.m. wherein all government agencies, establishments, sectors and households are enjoined to participate.

A motor caravan will then follow to different points in the province and city of Iloilo.

The governor said he will invite former governor Arthur Defensor Sr. and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas who served as opposition leaders during the Martial Law period.

“We want it to be remembered that People Power did not only happen in EDSA but all over the country and also in Iloilo,” he said.

Defensor clarified, though, that the commemoration is an official event and is free of political color. It is an event to preserve the legacy of People Power as an ultimate assertion of the will of the people that charted the course of the country’s history and restored democratic institutions.

“We want to remember. We don’t want to forget. And we don’t want it to change,” he said.

Defensor added that the celebration is dedicated to the reaffirmation of the solidarity of Ilonggos against COVID-19.

He also appealed for a “people power” in the vaccination program of the government.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines is spearheading the celebration of the 36th EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary with the theme “EDSA 2022: Pagtutulungan Tungo sa Sama-Samang Pagbangon mula sa Pandemya.”

Minimum public health standards and safety protocols will be strictly observed during the event, stressed the governor. (With reports from Capitol news)