26 February 2015 – The Philippine Embassy in Ankara commemorated the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on February 22 with the Filipino community in Ankara.
The occasion was marked by a discussion on the Philippines’ efforts to rightfully defend its domain in the West Philippine Sea.
Philippine Minister and Consul General Robert O. Ferrer, Jr. highlighted in his opening remarks that one of the many contributions of the Philippines to the world is the EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986. “It was the EDSA People Power Revolution that helped inspire other pro-democracy revolutions around the world in the late eighties, from South Korea to the Czech Republic and eventually to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War”.
The EDSA phenomenon was related to the current issue in the West Philippine Sea on the point that Philippines uses peaceful, non-violent means to achieve its goals and that Filipinos are advocates for the rule of law.
A short ‘balik-tanaw’ clip on EDSA 1 was shown following the discussion.
The event was followed by the showing of the documentary “Sigalot” which was hosted and produced by multi-awarded journalist Cheche Lazaro. The documentary highlighted the Philippine sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), and the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the West Philippine Sea.
Mr. Ferrer reiterated the call for every Filipino to support the Philippine Government’s position on the West Philippine Sea and to advance the advocacy of peaceful resolution of disputes according to the rule of law.
As a finale, the Filipino community sang two famous songs related to the EDSA People Power Revolution, namely, “Magkaisa” composed by Tito Sotto and performed by Virna Lisa and, “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo” composed by Jim Paredes and sung by various Filipino artists. END