EDSA@40: Schools suspend classes on February 25
Catholic education leaders call for 'academic holiday'; urge youth to defend democracy as EDSA remains 'unfinished movement'
Published Feb 23, 2026 10:46 am
Several schools across the Philippines suspend classes and hold reflection activities as the nation marks the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, with Catholic education leaders urging the youth to defend democracy. (Santi San Juan / Manila Bulletin )
As the nation commemorated the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, schools suspended classes on February 25, while Catholic education leaders urged students to become active defenders of democracy.
Several schools and universities suspended classes in commemoration of the historic anniversary, despite its declaration as a special working holiday.
The class suspensions were announced as educational institutions nationwide chose to mark the event through reflection activities, alternative learning days, and academic breaks honoring the peaceful uprising that restored democracy in the Philippines.
February 25 commemorates the revolution that led to the ouster of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., ending two decades of authoritarian rule.
Universities, schools shift to reflection and alternative learning
Among the major universities that declared no regular classes were the University of the Philippines, which implemented an alternative learning day, and the University of Santo Tomas, which suspended classes entirely.
Other institutions, including San Beda University, Adamson University, Philippine Normal University, and St. Louis University, also canceled classes. Meanwhile, some schools, such as Lyceum of the Philippines University–Cavite and Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati, shifted to asynchronous learning.
Basic education institutions, Catholic schools, and private colleges across Metro Manila and several provinces likewise observed academic holidays or conducted special commemorative activities.
Catholic education leaders call for reflection, civic formation
The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) and the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), through its Episcopal Commission on Catholic Education (ECCE), urged Catholic schools to declare February 25 an “academic holiday” dedicated to reflection, commemoration, and civic formation.
In a joint statement, the groups described EDSA as a defining moment in Philippine history.
“EDSA was a ‘Rosary miracle,’ a triumph of peaceful resistance over dictatorship, and a defining moment when ordinary citizens, families, religious leaders, civil society members, students, and youth stood between tanks and violence, armed with a collective will,” the statement read.
They also recalled the role of Radio Veritas in mobilizing citizens and the moral leadership of Jaime Cardinal Sin in calling Filipinos to protect democratic institutions.
Catholic schools and educational institutions were urged to declare February 25 as an academic holiday for “reflection, commemoration, and civic formation.”
Schools were encouraged to hold Masses, youth forums on upholding truth and fighting for justice, and other meaningful activities that "nurture ethical discernment, critical thinking, and active citizenship."
“Students and the youth, as heirs of democratic space, must cultivate the knowledge, values, and resolve to challenge injustice, misinformation, and authoritarian tendencies,” the groups said.
“Civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and movements must continue to guard civil liberties and ensure that the struggle for justice remains alive, while media practitioners are urged to defend press freedom and truthful reporting as pillars against abuse of power,” they added.
‘Democracy requires vigilance’
Church and education leaders emphasized that the lessons of EDSA remain relevant four decades later, warning against corruption, historical distortion, and threats to democratic freedoms.
“EDSA is not only a commemoration; it is an unfinished movement that demands vigilance, active participation, and collective resolve from all sectors,” the groups said.
They called on schools to organize Masses, youth forums, and discussions promoting truth, justice, and active citizenship, particularly among students and young people.
“To honor it authentically is to combat revisionism, defend democratic principles, and build a nation where justice, dignity, and peace are lived realities,” they added.
Special working holiday, but many choose to observe
Malacañang Palace earlier declared February 25 a special working holiday, meaning work and classes were not automatically suspended.
However, many schools and some local governments chose to observe the anniversary independently, underscoring the continued significance of the peaceful revolution in Philippine history.
The EDSA People Power Revolution remains widely regarded as a global symbol of nonviolent resistance, restoring democratic institutions and civil liberties after years of authoritarian rule.
“May the spirit of People Power continue to guide us in shaping a future worthy of the sacrifice, faith, and moral courage that defined EDSA forty years ago,” CEAP and CBCP-ECCE said.