It’s People Power Anniversary on February 25! The People Power Revolution (also known as the E.D.S.A. Revolution and the Philippines Revolution of 1986) was a series of popular demonstrations in the Philippines that began in 1983 and ended in 1986 with the overthrow of President Ferdinand Marcos. The bloodless revolution is a source of pride for all Filipinos and is a template for similar non-violent uprisings worldwide. For several years this has been a holiday for schools, and since 2019, it was declared a special non-working day.
History of People Power Anniversary
The People Power Anniversary is in the Philippines on February 25. President Marcos came to power in the Philippines in 1965. From the very beginning of his reign, he was autocratic and corrupt. He declared martial law in 1972, thus beginning a period of political repression, censorship, assassinations, and human rights violations. President Marcos had his rival senator Benigno S ‘Ninoy’ Aquino Jr. shot at Manila Airport in August 1983. The killing was a turning point in the country, and an opposition movement gathered around Corazon Aquino, the wife of Ninoy Aquino.Threatened by the growing opposition and in an attempt to win back his popularity among the people, Marcos held an unexpected presidential election on February 7, 1986, in which he contested against Corazon Aquino. The election was the most corrupt in Philippine history, with clear evidence of electoral fraud. It led to some of Marcos’ former ministers, the army, and Church leaders calling for his removal from office. These calls drew people from all over the country to join mass peaceful protests against Marcos.The protesters blocked Manila’s main thoroughfare and the Epifanio de Los Santos Avenue (E.D.S.A.). In defiance of repeated threats from President Marcos, they refused to end the protests. On the afternoon of the protest’s second day, the president sent tanks to clear the street. But the troops refused to fire, prompting one of the most iconic images of the revolution — nuns kneeled in front of tanks with rosaries in their hands and saying their prayers. After just four days, President Marcos stepped down and escaped the country. On February 25, 1986, Corazon Aquino became the 11th president of the Republic of the Philippines. She became the first female president of the country.
People Power Anniversary timeline
The Spanish colonial period ends with the Philippine Revolution.
War breaks out as America refuses to recognize the first Philippine Republic.
Democracy returns from the battles with debt, corruption, coup attempts, and communist insurgency.
It provides free tuition in public universities and colleges for Filipino students.
People Power Anniversary FAQs
When was the People’s Power Revolution in the Philippines?
The People Power Revolution (also known as the E.D.S.A. Revolution and the Philippine Revolution of 1986) was a series of popular demonstrations in the Philippines that began in 1983 and culminated in 1986. The methods used amounted to a sustained campaign of civil resistance against regime violence and electoral fraud.
What is the largest ethnic group in the Philippines?
The Tagalogs are the largest ethnic group in the Philippines.
Who controlled the Philippines from 1521 to 1821?
The Philippines was discovered in 1521 by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and colonized by Spain from 1565 to 1898. Following the Spanish–American War, it became a territory of the United States.
How to Observe People Power Anniversary
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Read about the movement
If you want to know more about People Power Anniversary, read articles, newspaper reports, and books on it. It is the best way to celebrate People Power Anniversary.
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Learn about people-led revolutions around the world
Celebrate the People Power Anniversary by learning about people-led revolutions around the world or even in your country. You will be surprised to know how many great revolutions were started by a group of common men.
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Post on social media
Post about the day on social media and invite friends to share their knowledge of similar movements. Start an online conversation.
5 Facts About The Philippines That Will Blow Your Mind
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The name has Spanish origins
The islands were dubbed “the Philippines” after King Philip II of Spain.
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More than 52 million people speak English
It is the fifth-largest English-speaking nation in the world.
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The Philippines is made up of islands
It is the second-largest archipelago in the world.
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175 languages spoken in the Philippines
171 of them are considered “living,” while four have no known living speakers.
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The Philippines exports the most coconuts
They ship about 19.5 million tons of fruit every year.
Why People Power Anniversary is Important
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It teaches us the power of the common man
We tend to forget that the people are an important element in any democracy, and they have the power to make or break governments. People Power Anniversary reminds us of this.
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It upholds the spirit of democracy
People Power Anniversary upholds the spirit of democracy that encourages dialogue and dissent against a government. We love this!
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It’s a model for other nonviolent movements
The People Power Movement gave birth to and inspired several such nonviolent movements. That’s why the day holds so much pride for Filipinos.
People Power Anniversary dates
Year | Date | Day |
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2023 | February 25 | Saturday |
2024 | February 25 | Sunday |
2025 | February 25 | Tuesday |
2026 | February 25 | Wednesday |
2027 | February 25 | Thursday |