At least six schools in Bacolod City are joining their counterparts in other parts of the country in suspending classes on Tuesday, Feb. 25, to commemorate the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.
“Let us resist all attempts to erase from our collective memory what our nation achieved in February 1986. Let us, in the spirit of EDSA, become engaged citizens and demand accountability from those who govern us,” a La Salle statement said.
The University of Saint La Salle and St Joseph High School in Bacolod City are suspending classes on Tuesday along with the rest of the De La Salle Philippines schools in the country, Brother Kenneth Martinez, USLS president, said Sunday, Feb 23.
De La Salle Philippines, in a statement furnished by Martinez, said in October 2024 President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Proclamation No. 727. which downgraded the celebration of the People Power Revolution to a Special Working Holiday.
“This action seeks to diminish the significance of a pivotal moment in our nation’s history-one that toppled a dictatorship and restored civil liberties,” it said.
To honor the resistance and martyrdom of many Filipinos during Martial Law imposed by Ferdinand Marcos Sr., all De La Salle Philippines schools are declaring a suspension of classes and work on Tuesday, it said.
“The erosion of democratic institutions and the culture of impunity, first paved by the Duterte administration and deepened by the Marcos administration, continue to shape our political landscape today,” it said.
Weakened checks and balances have allowed those in positions of authority to consolidate their control at the expense of the people’s welfare, the statement said.
“The unity between Marcos and Duterte has crumbled under the weight of their desire to entrench themselves in power. We lament the diminishing checks and balances in the use of our nation’s resources and the loss of accountability among leaders entrusted with their disbursement,” it added.
In the face of threats to the country’s democracy, it said “now is the time to rekindle the spirit of People Power. It is the time for us to advocate for a unity founded on integrity and the common good.”
“Through our unity and vigilance, let us ensure that our democracy remains vibrant and true to our noblest aspirations as an empowered people,” it said.
SSA BACOLOD
St. Scholastica’s Academy of Bacolod City Inc. has also declared Tuesday “a non-academic/non-working day to commemorate the EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986 and to pay tribute to those who fought for our nation’s freedom”.
Monday, Feb. 24, will be dedicated to meaningful class activities aimed at fostering a deep sense of patriotism and responsibility among Scholasticans, SSA Bacolod said.
”Let us take this time to reflect on the values of democracy, unity, and national responsibility,” it said.
UNO-R
The University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos has also declared February 25 a school holiday in celebration of the 39th EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary.
LCC BACOLOD
La Consolacion College Bacolod also announced that it is suspending classes on Tuesday to “take this time to remember the spirit of unity, courage, and democracy that shaped our nation’s history,” it said in a Facebook post.
RIVERSIDE COLLEGE
Riverside College also announced the suspension of its classes on Tuesday to “celebrate the spirit of EDSA, a beacon of courage and hope for a brighter future”.
“Let us pause to reflect and honor the enduring triumph of faith, unity, and nonviolent action in the ongoing pursuit of democracy,” it said.*