Urban poor group commemorates 33rd Edsa anniversary in Bacolod

BACOLOD CITY — At least 200 members of the urban poor group gathered at the statue of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. on Araneta Street here on Monday to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the EDSA People Power revolution.

“We are here to show the world that the spirit of the EDSA is alive in our hearts,” said Joy Jarabelo, head of the Federation of Urban Poor (FED UP).

FED UP was joined by Samahan sa Tuwid na Daan Laban sa Katiwalian members, human rights lawyer Andrea Lizares Si, and former Bacolod councilor Celia Flor.

“The EDSA People Power in 1986 made the Philippines great and the darling of the world. We want to recapture that greatness. We are few, but we will insist,” said Jarabelo.

She said they would continue standing up for what is right amid the killings, fake news, untruthfulness, and abuse of government power.

The group laid flowers at the foot of Aquino’s statue, tied yellow ribbons, and flashed the Laban sign as they sang anthems of the People Power revolution, including “Heal our Land,” “Magkaisa,” “Bayan Ko,” “Handog ng Pilipinas sa Mundo,” and “Pilipinas Kong Mahal.” /ee