Keeping the flame of social change burning

IT WAS AFTER lunch when Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc, my editor, requested me to pass for her. Her husband would not allow her to leave the house because army tanks were rolling on Edsa. That was 30 years ago this month.

From her home, LJM and I walked until we reached Edsa and were amazed at the sight of tanks rolling and soldiers fully equipped with ammunition. Tingting Cojuangco commandeered a bus and told the driver to park across Edsa to deter approaching tanks nearing Ortigas, where there was a huge crowd.

I took pictures and lost my editor in the crowd. I found myself in front of a tank with many patriots along Ortigas/Edsa. The tank’s operator would start the engine and would move an eighth of an inch—and we would all push.

On the line of defense was Butz Aquino. The “Lost Hero of Edsa” negotiated with generals with a smile.

Edsa and Ortigas were filled with people of different ages and callings. We prayed—until the military’s show of force died down on that historic day, Feb. 25, 1986.

Some said military wives and children were also there, so the generals tasked to crush us did not heed the order. Some also believed that Our Lady had intervened—otherwise, it would have been chaos.

THE PEACEFUL revolution was a unique milestone for Philippine democracy. PHOTO BY REZA

Grateful tribute

Thirty years after the People Power Revolution, the Edsa People Power Commission (EPPC), headed by Maria Montelibano and Commissioner Emily Abrera, invites the Filipino nation to celebrate the most significant milestone by paying grateful tribute to the heroes who have sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom and democracy.

They recognize the immense power of the new generation to carry on, and keep the fire of social change burning as we strive to fulfill the promises of the Edsa revolution.

Two of the awardees on Feb. 25 are PDI founder Eugenia Duran Apostol and our recently departed editor in chief LJM.

There is an Experiential Museum tour open to all—call Bahay Ugnayan at 559-9274 or 0917 805-9652 or e-mail edsapeoplepower.com.

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