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Forty Years After the Philippines’ EDSA Revolution: Examining Conscience and Renewing Commitment
Marlon Bobier Vargas, SVD
Few revolutions in modern history have captured the world’s imagination the way the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution did — a peaceful uprising that showed nations that faith, courage, and unity could overcome dictatorship without bloodshed. Four decades later, its moral force continues to challenge not only the Philippines but the global community.
The program opened with an invocation and the singing of the Pambansang Awit, grounding the assembly in prayer and national identity. Fr. Jerome Marquez, SVD, delivered the welcome remarks, setting the tone for an afternoon of reflection, memory, and shared discernment.
Fr. Ivan Monjardin and Fr. Arnel Bahian served as moderators, guiding the flow of the gathering and framing it as an invitation to revisit history in order to clarify mission in the present.
An audio-visual presentation of historical EDSA footage, prepared by Fr. Mark Destura, RCJ,visually immersed participants in the defining moments of February 1986. The presentation reminded everyone of the courage of ordinary citizens, the solidarity of religious communities, and the moral conviction that shaped the People Power movement.
The event then moved into living testimonies from diverse perspectives. One of them was Fr. Albert Alejo, SJ, who reflected from the Davao context, bringing theological and social depth to the conversation.
The heart of the gathering was the communal discernment process facilitated by Bro. Armin Luistro. Participants were divided into small groups to reflect on two guiding questions: What personal memories surfaced after hearing the testimonies? And in light of today’s realities, what is the specific challenge of EDSA People Power now? Each group appointed a rapporteur and later shared collective insights in plenary.
Common themes emerged — including the need for moral clarity, civic responsibility, and sustained engagement — while participants also acknowledged unresolved tensions and questions that continue to shape the national narrative.
The active participation and initiative of the SVD Filipino confreres at the Collegio Verbo Divino reflected their commitment to promoting and upholding the spirit of Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC), one of the characteristic dimensions of the Society of the Divine Word. Through this gathering, they witnessed the Gospel call for social transformation, communal discernment, and responsible engagement in the realities of our time.
The event concluded in prayer, reminding all present that discernment requires both memory and courage. EDSAmination of Conscience became more than a commemoration — it became a renewed call to examine how the spirit of People Power can continue to inspire responsible citizenship and moral leadership today.
