President Benigno Aquino III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines –The Edsa People Power is no longer just about Edsa, President Benigno Aquino III said Tuesday.
“Narito po ako ngayon dahil higit pa sa pagbaklas ng diktadurya ang diwa ng petsang ito. Lagpas pa sa pagtitipon sa isang kalsada ang Edsa,” Aquino said during his televised speech in Tanauan, Leyte.
(I am here because today is more than just our triumph over the dictatorship. Edsa is beyond the gathering of people on a road.)
Aquino said “Edsa” is taking on a new meaning.
“Ang Edsa ay pagdiriwang ng kakayahan ng Pilipinong bumangon mula sa anumang pagsubok at daigin ang anumang madilim na kabanata ng ating kasaysayan,” he said.
(Edsa is a celebration of the Filipino’s ability to rise above challenges and dark days of our history.)
The President was in Leyte to check on the rehabilitation efforts and the situation of Super Typhoon “Yolanda” survivors. Earlier Tuesday, he was in Cebu where the 28th anniversary of the Edsa People Power was celebrated.
Aquino assured the townsfolk of Tanauan that permanent shelters were being constructed and that at least 50 families will be able to move in by March.
Tanauan was among the most heavily devastated by Yolanda, leaving thousands dead and majority of structures damaged.