The Educators’ Forum for Development (EFD) applauds the decision of several schools including Catholic universities to proceed with commemorating the 39th year of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution including suspension of classes and work, in defiance of the Marcos Jr administration’s proclamation downgrading the event to a Special Working Holiday.
Defiance is a trait much needed nowadays as the country deals with unprecedented economic, social and political crises. The Filipino people are battered by rising prices, job uncertainties and ineffective public services, but have to see billions of pesos in taxpayers’ money go into private pockets as corruption remains unabated, even under “Bagong Pilipinas.”
The freedom fought for in EDSA nearly four decades ago is made more fragile even without outright Martial Law. The whole State apparatus is being used to target, isolate and attack organized Filipinos fighting for basic social, economic and political rights.
With the upcoming midterm elections, the Philippine electorate is once again forced to choose among political dynasties and celebrities who are without credentials.
But hope lies within Filipino social movements and civil society. Progressive candidates are also running for the Senate and for local government posts. People’s organizations are continually pushing back against State oppression and disinformation. They are living the EDSA spirit on a daily basis, showing resistance and defiance to give voice to the voiceless and champion the Filipino people’s right to a decent life.
This is no time to be neutral. More than ever, we need to take a stand and fight for what is right for the country that we love and for the future that we aspire.