Administrators, faculty, staff, and students of the different units of the Xavier University Basic Education cluster came together on 25 February 2025 to honor the spirit of the 1986 EDSA People Power. Different activities were staged to engage everyone to remember and embrace the values of this important event.
STRAW leads XUSHS in honoring 39th Anniversary of EDSA People Power
Photo by Ethan Magto
In commemoration of the 39th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, the XU-Senior High Student Government’s Commission on Students’ Rights and Welfare (STRAW) organized a series of meaningful activities to honor the courage, unity, and sacrifice of those who fought for democracy in 1986.
With the goal of inspiring reflection and engagement among students, the month-long activities included a Commemorative Mass to pray for the souls of those who suffered injustices before and during the revolution and Tribute Activities to recognize the bravery of the revolution’s participants. These initiatives served as a reminder that the spirit of EDSA—standing together to uphold democracy and freedom—is never forgotten.
Various members of the XUSHS community took part in these events designed to foster solidarity, historical awareness, and appreciation for the hard-earned freedoms enjoyed today.
Mural Painting: A Tribute to EDSA’s Spirit
Photo by Patrick Villlareal and John Paul Endab II
As part of the commemoration, a mural painting activity started on 12 February 2025 at the XUSHS Grand Lobby and will continue until 28 February 2025, where students can freely join the hand-printing activity. STRAW members facilitated the event to ensure cleanliness by reusing materials like plastic bags and cardboard boxes.
Red hand, fist prints, and ribbons scattered across blank canvases, filling the entire surface, symbolizing students’ solidarity and determination to put forth the rights and advocates students’ hearts fight for. Some prints included messages of love, justice, hope; even stances that state: “Para sa estudyante,” and “Love is the people’s power.”
The finished mural will be showcased during the English/MIL Art Exhibition at the XUSHS AVRs throughout February, serving as a lasting tribute to the spirit of EDSA.
Film Viewing & Reflection with Fr Roh, SJ
Photo by Dominique Galdo
A special film viewing of GOMBURZA was held on 22 February 2025, from 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM in AVRs 3 and 4, with STRAW members facilitating and students participating. The session began with registration, followed by preliminaries and a short kamustahan to set the proper disposition.
Throughout the film, participants were fully immersed; absorbing its historical significance and emotional depth. They were intrigued by the story, watched intently, and were moved by the powerful portrayal of priests’ fight against oppression. One quote that a participant said that struck them the most was the line “Bakit ako matatakot magsabi ng totoo?” which they deemed to be a relevant discernment question for Ateneans who hold importance in protecting and valuing truth.
After the screening, Fr Roseller “Roh” Atilano, SJ, the school chaplain and one of the Executive Producers of GOMBURZA, led a synthesis, sharing his experience in the film’s production and its relevance today. The activity deepened historical awareness and strengthened patriotism among students.
Mass and Solidarity Walk: Commemorating the Spirit of EDSA
On 25 February 2025, the XUSHS community came together for the Solidarity Walk, honoring the success of the EDSA People Power Revolution and recognizing the struggles of the most affected sectors during Martial Law.
The event began with a short Votive Mass at 12:30 PM, celebrated by Fr Roh, the XU Basic Education Chaplain. Prayers and candles were also offered for the victims of Martial Law, and for peace, justice, and love. In his homily and final blessings, Fr Roh encouraged Ateneans to stand up against injustices present in our society, just as Jesus did throughout his ministry.
Photo by Ethan Magto
Following the mass, students assembled at the Grand Lobby to begin the walk along an organized path with two stops. At each stop, student representatives from the indigents, women, and journalist sectors shared reflections on the critical responsibilities their identities play in the preservation of history. They emphasized the value of inclusivity, resilience, and truth in preserving historical narratives and ensuring that these voices are heard across generations. The walk ended with a call to solidarity and continued care in safeguarding historical accounts, highlighting the importance of honoring and learning from the past.
The group was then convened for a reflection session with Mr Carl Jason Misanes, where he emphasized the importance of youth participation in activities that foster awareness and engagement with social justice and historical preservation. He quoted, "Faith that does justice is upholding the rule of a just law," inspiring the students to embody faith-driven actions that contribute to the common good.
The event concluded with blessings from Fr Roh, who imparted words of encouragement and gratitude. The participants left with renewed commitment to preserving truth and justice in their communities.
Chalk Art: A Creative Celebration
The chalk art activity will take place during the English Month culmination day on February 28, 2025, providing students with a creative platform for self-expression while celebrating the event. Open throughout the day, this activity will allow participants to bond, convey messages, and collaborate through art.
STRAW members will facilitate the activity by distributing chalk, maintaining order, and ensuring that the artwork is completed on time. This initiative aims to foster creativity, teamwork, and a sense of community within the school.
By
Eric Jose S Rudinas, Carmela Pana, Alyssa Trigo, Star Godinez
XU Senior High School
XUJHS memorializes 39th anniversary of EDSA People Power Revolution
The XU Junior High School held a Eucharistic celebration to honor the faith that inspired courage and unity among the Filipinos during the EDSA movement. Keynote speakers shared their wisdom on the historic event movement that restored democracy in the country. They recounted stories about Martial Law and how the country witnessed the rise of a dictator, abuses against human rights, and the degradation of democracy.
They narrated the painful history of the regime of Ferdinand E Marcos where 70,000 individuals were arrested, many without warrants; at least 9,000 victims of human rights violations were documented by the Task Force Detainees of the Philippines from 1969 to 1986; over 34,000 people were subjected to torture, including electric shocks, beatings, and sexual abuse; an estimated 3,240 individuals were killed by military and police forces; and approximately 737 individuals disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Additionally, a total of 464 media outlets, including major newspapers and television stations, were shut down. The nation’s foreign debt soared from $360 million in 1961 to $28.26 billion by the time Marcos was ousted. The daily income of agricultural workers plummeted from ₱42 in 1962 to ₱30 in 1986.
Other than recalling these atrocities, the celebration also honored the patriotism and sacrifice of Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., who was brutally murdered for remaining true to his principles in the face of tyranny. As Ninoy famously stated, “The Filipino is worth dying for.” His tragic death sparked a movement that galvanized the nation, transforming despair into determination to confront the tyranny, injustice, and oppression. Ninoy’s sacrifice was emblematic of one’s unwavering love and fidelity to the country, ultimately leading to a revolution that redefined the republic’s destiny, restoring democracy.
An audiovisual presentation showed how the EDSA People Power Revolution, which transpired from February 22 to 25, 1986, marked a crucial turning point in Philippine history. The revolution reached its zenith on February 25 as Corazon Aquino, widow of opposition leader Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., took her presidential oath at Club Filipino, as the 11th President of the Philippines, ending the 20-year dictatorship of Marcos, and restoring democracy in the Philippines.
The XUJHS commemoration of EDSA People Power concluded with a commitment-making ceremony, where ribbons were pasted on walls as a constant reminder to remain vigilant and passionate about the pillars of liberty and freedom, never forgetting the courage of over two million Filipinos who stood against the tyrannical regime.
This significant event reminded the community of the mission to serve the nation and its people actively. It serves as a warning against the perils of indifference and apathy, urging everyone to remain alert to the existence of injustices. It also served as a reminder to steadfastly uphold the truth—embracing both joy and sorrow- and that it is through every pure thought, word, and deed that the torch of freedom, democracy, truth, justice, peace, and love is ignited. By doing so, the bravery of those who fought to reclaim the nation's glory endures. As the saying goes, “To sin by silence when we should protest makes cowards out of men.”
by Alfredo Cristoff Gomez
XU Junior High School
XUGS commemorates 39th EDSA anniversary
Xavier University Grade School observed the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution through a series of activities aimed at educating pupils about the historical importance of the event and its contribution to the democratic ideals enjoyed by the current generation.
The Araling Panlipunan teachers led discussions on the history of martial law and the involvement of various individuals leading up to the onset of the successful and peaceful People Power Revolution in 1986.
A photo exhibit was set up in the foyer, highlighting important dates and events before, during, and after the martial law period, up to the restoration of democratic institutions. Through this exhibit, the entire community was able to gain a wider perspective in understanding martial law, its atrocities, and its impact on the Filipino psyche. The Araling Panlipunan classes used the exhibit to supplement their class discussions on martial law.
Moreover, select personnel and pupils also had the opportunity to participate in the symbolic tying of white, blue, and yellow ribbons around the campus to remember the relevance of the occasion.
Through these simple activities, the XUGS community contributed to the advocacy of keeping the spirit of EDSA alive for the present and future generations.
By Paulo James Fabrigar
XU Grade School