Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom’s capital joined the Philippine mission Monday to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the EDSA “People Power Revolution” at the Liwasang Bonifacio of the embassy.
EDSA is an acronym for Epifanio de los Santos Avenue where protesters gathered and eventually toppled President Ferdinand Marcos in the 1980s. Celebrations were also held at schools in Riyadh and the Eastern region. The program started with the traditional flag-raising ceremony, followed by messages and the singing of patriotic songs by the Filipino community.
In his opening remarks, Mohammad Taha Guinomla, cultural officer, said that “each year’s EDSA celebration would be made more meaningful by remembering the people who risked life and limb to go against an oppressive regime that suppressed democracy in the country.” Noting the theme of this year’s celebrations, “Pilipinas Natin, Abot Tanaw Na,” Guinomla underscored the importance of continuing the struggle of the late Senator Ninoy Aquino.
Nilda Olivia, attaché from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, shared her personal thoughts on EDSA in an address entitled “Sa Ngalan ng Ama, Ina, at Anak,” referring to President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino and his late parents. She said that Filipinos should unite to achieve the spirit of EDSA for a better Philippines through “Daang Matuwid.”
Police Attaché Jonathan Ureta discussed the “uniformed men of pre-EDSA and post-EDSA,” saying that the “once-feared” officers of the defunct Philippine Constabulary are “now donning civilian titles” under the Philippine National Police (PNP) and “abiding faithfully to the supremacy of civilian authorities.”
Meanwhile, the Philippine International School in Al-Khobar (IPSA) held a weeklong celebration. Rooms were decorated with yellow confetti and essay and coloring contests on the meaning of EDSA were held.
On Monday, the faculty and staff wore yellow shirts and 27 yellow balloons were released into the air in coordination with the student council.
Similar events were also observed at the International Philippine School in Riyadh, Palm Crest International School, Second Philippine International School, Future Generations International School, Al-Taj International School, Riyadh International School and Elite International School. Some of these schools gave lectures and video presentations on EDSA.
