Several universities in the Philippines have announced the suspension of classes and work on February 25, 2025, to commemorate the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution. This move comes despite a presidential proclamation by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., designating the day as a special working holiday.
De La Salle Philippines, the University of Santo Tomas (UST), and Adamson University have all declared February 25 as a non-working day for their communities. These institutions aim to provide their students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to participate in events honoring the historic 1986 revolution, which led to the restoration of democracy in the country.
In a statement, UST emphasized the importance of remembering the values exemplified during the revolution:
“As we commemorate the EDSA People Power Revolution, we are reminded of the power of unity, courage, and peaceful action. Let us stand united and never forget that true power lies in the collective will of the people, and it is our responsibility to uphold the values of integrity, justice, and freedom for generations to come.”
Similarly, De La Salle University has organized an “Alternative Learning Day” on February 25. While classes and regular work are suspended, the university encourages the community to engage in activities that reflect the significance of the revolution. However, the university’s libraries will remain closed on this day.
The EDSA Ortigas Consortium of Schools, comprising the Immaculate Conception Academy, La Salle Green Hills, Saint Pedro Poveda College, and Xavier School, has also announced class suspensions on February 25. In a joint statement, the consortium underscored their commitment to preserving the revolution’s relevance:
“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. We will continue to keep the spirit of EDSA alive despite active efforts to undermine it.”
On the other hand, the University of the Philippines and Far Eastern University have designated February 25 as an alternative learning day. These institutions encourage their students to participate in activities that honor the spirit of People Power while implementing appropriate learning and work arrangements.
President Marcos Jr.’s declaration of February 25 as a special working holiday means that, despite its historical significance, it remains a regular working day, with government offices and businesses operating as usual. Employees are expected to report to work, and no additional holiday pay is mandated.
The EDSA People Power Revolution, which culminated on February 25, 1986, was a peaceful uprising that led to the ousting of then-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and restored democratic governance in the Philippines. The annual commemoration serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions.
In recent years, the manner of commemorating this event has varied. In 2023, President Marcos Jr. rescheduled the February 25 holiday to February 24, aiming to provide citizens with a longer weekend while ensuring the historical importance of the anniversary was recognized. The following year, the anniversary was not included in the holiday list, as it fell on a Sunday.
The decisions by these educational institutions to suspend classes and work on February 25, 2025, reflect a commitment to honoring the legacy of the EDSA People Power Revolution and ensuring that its lessons continue to resonate with current and future generations.