By Hanna Fe Nicole D Tejero
As a Filipino, Catholic, and Jesuit University, the Xavier community came together to commemorate EDSA@40 as a time to remember, reflect, and stand firm in the values that shaped the country’s history. More than simply recalling the events of the EDSA People Power, the observance invited students, faculty, and staff to deepen their understanding of its meaning today, actively participate in the activities, and express unity and solidarity by wearing white on 25 February 2026.
At 9:00 AM, University President Fr Mars P Tan, SJ, opened the EDSA People Power @40 Forum titled, “Never Again, Never Forget: EDSA 1, Dili Kalimtan, Demokrasya Atong Barugan,” by reminding the community that many in the audience had not personally experienced the EDSA People Power, making it all the more important to remember and understand what truly happened on that historic day amidst the spread of misinformation and historical distortion.
The forum featured two key speakers. The first, University Chaplain Fr Ruben B Orbeta, SJ, started with a theological reflection titled 'The Spirit of EDSA I: Courage, Unity, and Nonviolence — A Theological Reflection,' providing insight regarding the EDSA People Power, portraying it as a prophetic instance when the Filipino populace boldly united to assert that injustice and corruption must cease. He highlighted that EDSA was a significant moment of solidarity, where the wealthy and the impoverished discarded social divides and united with a single aim: to uphold what is right and fair against adversity. Grounded in profound belief in God, this shared testimony of bravery, solidarity, and non-violence emerged as the actual strength of the people against brutality.
Following Fr Ruben’s reflection, in his presentation, “Youth as Guardians of Democracy: Continuing the EDSA Legacy Today,” Director of the Xavier University Center for Legal Assistance, Atty Ernesto B Neri, contemplated the enduring significance of the EDSA People Power for today's generation, where although numerous aspirations have been realized, its spirit must remain alive in the ongoing pursuit of a just and humane Philippines rooted in social justice. He warned that when individuals overlook the lessons of history, they jeopardize the possibility of similar injustices reemerging under a new guise, which makes historical memory a civic responsibility. “Democracy is not self-executing. It is not just about rules or laws. It's about norms, ideas, recognizing the dignity of every person,... and inserting that in our everyday life.”
The program also featured reflections from the XUSHSG Council President Princess Alrezah Radiamoda, the XU CSG President John Philip Talaba, and a GEIDS faculty member Andrea Mae Bayeta, followed by an open forum where participants offered personal insights and collective realizations on the significance of EDSA People Power.
In the afternoon, members of the Xavier Ateneo community gathered at the Magis Atrium for a Democracy Talk organized by the XU Center for Legal Assistance. The dialogue, held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, focused on freedom of expression in the digital world. Students listened to legal practitioners who explained the importance of protecting rights and defending democracy, especially in a time when information spreads quickly online. Students also participated in the question and answer portion. The discussion aimed to help the youth understand their role in safeguarding truth and promoting responsible participation in society.
Moreover, a walking history exhibition was presented along the university walkway and at the Magis Atrium. The exhibit, titled “A Walk to Remember,” featured key events and images from the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. It reminded students of what happened during that historic period and why it remains relevant forty years later.
In the same afternoon, members of the Xavier Ateneo community joined the Archdiocesan Gathering and Eucharistic Celebration for Democracy and Peace from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Capitol Grounds to Gaston Park in Cagayan de Oro City. The gathering brought together Church leaders, including Most Rev Jose A Cabantan, DD, clergy, lay faithful, students, and citizens. The Holy Mass honored the peaceful uprising of 1986 and called on the faithful to renew their commitment to faith, unity, and responsible citizenship. The homily emphasized the importance of remembering the courage of the Filipino people and continuing to stand for truth and justice.
The commemoration continued at 6:00 PM with a candle lighting ceremony at the Magis Atrium, which began with an opening prayer led by Fr Ruben B Orbeta Jr, SJ, followed by reflections shared by students. The lighting of candles symbolized remembrance of the lives and sacrifices connected to the struggle for democracy. It also served as a sign of hope and vigilance for the present generation.
Consequently, members of the Xavier Ateneo community proceeded to the XU SEC Mall entrance for the “Busina Para sa Demokrasya.” Faculty members, staff, and students gathered with banners and signboards. They raised their voices in unity to express support for democratic values. As they stood along the roadside, people passing by in various vehicles sounded their horns in solidarity. The activity showed the same kind of peaceful and united action that happened on 25 February 1986, when Filipino citizens gathered together to bring back democracy in the Philippines.
The EDSA @40 commemoration at Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan on 25 February 2026 gathered students, faculty, staff, Church leaders, and citizens in prayer, dialogue, and public witness. Through academic discussions, historical exhibits, liturgical celebrations, and symbolic actions, the community remembered what happened during the EDSA People Power Revolution and why it continues to matter.
Forty years after 1986, the observance reminded the university community that democracy requires truth, unity, and active participation. By remembering the past and reflecting on its meaning, the Xavier Ateneo community affirmed its commitment to stand for faith, justice, and responsible citizenship in the present time.
Photos by: Communications and Promotions Office