BACS backs schools’ 39th Edsa people power commemoration

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

THE Bikol Association of Catholic Schools (BACS) expressed its strongest support for Catholic schools and universities across the country as the Filipino people commemorate the 39th anniversary of the bloodless EDSA Revolution on February 25.

“We, the Bikol Association of Catholic Schools (BACS), stand in solidarity with Catholic schools across the National Capital Region and throughout our nation as we solemnly commemorate the EDSA People Power Revolution. From September 21, 1972, to February 25, 1986, the Filipino people endured the oppressive rule of President Ferdinand E. Marcos. Under his regime, the educational system suffered, the nation’s wealth was plundered, and countless citizens were left in destitution,” BACS said in a statement.

Elections were manipulated through coercion, democratic institutions were dismantled by corruption, and the populace was subdued through pervasive violence and human rights abuses. The conjugal dictatorship and their cronies exploited the country and drained the hope of Filipino families, the statement said.

“Despite our abundant human capital and natural resources, our progress as a nation has been stunted—a legacy of that notorious dictatorship. Marcos Sr. transformed the political system into a tyranny, forsaking the virtues of nobility and statesmanship,” it added.

The BACS emphasized that the EDSA People Power Revolution freed the nation from dictatorship, restoring democracy, lifting curfews, decentralizing government authority, reinstating the three co-equal branches of government, and reviving the cherished freedom of expression.

“Today, we must ensure that our current government does not erase or diminish this paramount chapter in the history of the Filipino people. Due to the directives from the Department of Education that have already led to numerous class suspensions, we in the Bicol Region recognize that further cancellations are untenable. Therefore, we entrust each school with the discretion to decide on its observance of this day. What remains crucial is that we honor this profound historical achievement,” BACS said.

It is also essential to acknowledge the pivotal role of the Catholic Church, particularly under the leadership of Jaime Cardinal Sin, who called upon the faithful to gather in a peaceful revolution at EDSA.

“We owe our gratitude to the valiant Filipinos who sacrificed their lives to end the reign of dictatorship. We must strive to emulate their courage and dedication to our nation. Let us cultivate not only our intellects but also our hearts, embedding them in the public sphere to restore the dignified politics that once existed before the Marcos regime,” BACS added.

Let our Catholic pedagogy be: to look, to listen, and to love. Dedicate this day to watching documentaries about Martial Law, engaging in lectures on Catholic social teachings such as Fratelli Tutti and Dilexit Nos, and reflecting deeply on these teachings, the statement said.

“Additionally, let us perform acts of love in response to what we have witnessed and learned. Start or end the day with prayers and the celebration of the Eucharist. The country is worth praying for,” BACS said.

Meanwhile, Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) on Thursday also expressed solidarity with the Bikol Association of Catholic Schools in commemorating the 39th anniversary of the People Power Revolution.

“With or without a holiday, the significance of this event in our nation’s history cannot be erased or diminished. Given the many days already lost this school year due to natural calamities and various activities, February 25 will be a regular class and work day at Ateneo de Naga University,” ADNU said in a Facebook post.

“All academic units shall undertake activities to educate students about the Martial Law era and the freedoms restored by the EDSA People Power Revolution—an event that inspired many freedom movements worldwide in the late 1980s. As we prepare for the mid-term local and national elections in May, the lessons of that unique moment in history must continue to inspire us to preserve our hard-won freedoms and democratic institutions,” ADNU added.

ADNU also urged the public to participate in the EDSA Anniversary Mass organized by the University Church on Tuesday, February 25, at 5:00 p.m.

“May February 25 henceforth be regarded not merely as an ordinary holiday or school day but as one of the most solemn occasions in our academic calendar,” ADNU said.