The University of the Philippines (UP) on Wednesday, Feb. 19, declared an “Alternative Learning Day” on Feb. 25 to commemorate the anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.
The EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary has been declared by the government as a special working day.
UP President Angelo Jimenez issued an administrative order to all administrators, faculty, students, and staff across the UP System, urging them to “participate in meaningful and peaceful activities” that honor the spirit of People Power, with “appropriate learning and work arrangements in place.”
He also encouraged chancellors to determine suitable work and class arrangements for their respective campuses to support the commemoration of EDSA Day.
Jimenez described the EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary as a “historic testament to the Filipino’s courage and unwavering commitment to democracy.”
“The University reaffirms its commitment to upholding democratic values, human rights, and the spirit of People Power,” Jimenez said. “Let this occasion serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and strengthen these principles within our campuses and beyond,” he added.
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Meanwhile, several schools had earlier suspended work and classes to commemorate this year’s EDSA Day celebration.
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) and the schools under De La Salle Philippines (DLSP) were among those that declared class suspensions.
On Feb. 25, classes and office work at all levels were suspended to allow students, faculty, and staff to reflect on the significance of EDSA Day.
In an advisory, UST announced that classes at all levels and office work were suspended to commemorate the People Power Revolution of 1986.
“As one community, let us participate in religious and academic activities that commemorate this moment in our history as a democracy,” UST added.
DLSP, a network of 16 La Salle schools nationwide, stated that the Lasallian community remains “steadfast in upholding the Filipino people’s victory in reclaiming their rights and liberties.”
“We will continue to commemorate this shining moment in history, when the collective power of the people prevailed over corruption, abuse, lack of accountability among public officials, and social injustice,” DLSP added.
The EDSOR Consortium—which includes the Immaculate Conception Academy (ICA), La Salle Green Hills (LSGH), Saint Pedro Poveda College, and Xavier School—also suspended work and classes.
“Our schools have agreed to celebrate this date as a special non-working holiday despite Malacañang’s exclusion of this historical event,” the consortium said.
“Recognizing our responsibility as educational institutions, we remain committed to preserving the relevance of the EDSA People Power Revolution, particularly for our current and future generations of students,” EDSOR explained. “We will continue to keep the spirit of EDSA alive despite active efforts to undermine it,” the Consortium added.