PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III attended this year’s “Salubungan Program” at the People Power Monument on Thursday, in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the historic Edsa revolt.
The highlight of the event was the reenactment of the “salubungan” or the linking up of military rebels and civilians protesting against the Marcos regime.
Former president Fidel Ramos led the military contingent, which included tanks decorated with yellow flowers, while priests and nuns joined the civilian group.
Two helicopters dropped yellow and white confetti as the two parties converged.
Ramos also reenacted his famous “jump” on stage shortly after.
Aquino, whose parents were key players in toppling the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos, gave his message at the end of the event.
In his last Edsa anniversary speech as president of the Philippines, Aquino criticized Senator Bongbong Marcos, son of the late president Ferdinand Marcos.
READ: Aquino slams Marcos son, says martial law not PH’s golden age
Honored at the event were Edsa 30 awardees Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) founding chair Eugenia “Eggie” Apostol and the late Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc, former editor in chief of PDI.
Magsanoc was cited for her work as editor of Mr. & Ms. Special Edition, which opposed the Marcos dictatorship. Her award was received by her husband Carlos Magsanoc, as well as her children and grandchildren.
Apostol, who was described as a diligent (masigasig) journalist, was also recognized as founder and publisher of Mr. & Ms. Special Edition. A friend received Apostol’s award on her behalf.
Meanwhile, the two recipients of the Outstanding Youth Leaders Award had the opportunity to address the crowd at the Edsa People Power Monument.
Western Mindanao State University’s Khenn Arquiza, Top 6 in the Search for the Ten Outstanding Political Science Students’ of the Philippines (TOPSSP), talked about the ills of martial law and how his generation benefited from the struggle of freedom fighters.
“Sa araw-araw po nating pamumuhay, tungkulin po nating maging parte ng pagpapabuti ng ating bayan,” he said.
(In our everyday life, it is our duty to contribute in the development of our nation.)
Maria Angela Magay-Villa of the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority, which was among the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) of 2015, talked about their advocacy as students of the University of the Philippines. The group encourages breastfeeding among mothers and ensures the supply of break milk at the UP-Philippine General Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Magay-Villa gave an impassioned speech on how thankful she is that she lives in a society where she has the right to express herself.
“Ang dapat na itanong (ngayon) ay kung iyon ang Edsa ninyo, ano ang Edsa namin ngayon? Ano ba ang Edsa ng kabataang Pilipino ngayon?” she asked.
(What we should ask now is, if that is your Edsa, what is our Edsa now?)
She said the “Edsa of her generation” has two parts: bring back the dignity of the Filipino nation and heartfelt service to fellow Filipinos.
“Kami ang bagong pag-asa. Kami ang magpapatuloy ng bagong rebolusyon. Kami ang bagong Edsa,” she said.
(We are the new hope. We will continue the new revolution. We are the new Edsa.) RAM
RELATED STORIES
Feb. 25, 2016 declared holiday for 30th Edsa anniversary