02 March 2016 –The Philippine Embassy in Beirut, Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) officers and staff observed the 30th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution at the Embassy showroom on February 24. The theme for this year was “Pagbabago: Ipinaglaban N’yo, Itutuloy Ko!” Filipinos sheltered in the Embassy’s Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Resource Center (MWOFRC) also joined in the commemoration.
The event started with the singing of the Philippine national anthem, led by OWWA Administrative Assistant Mr. Levin Gabutan, followed by the opening remarks of Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz.
In her message, Ambassador Ruiz highlighted the need for the Filipino people to keep the spirit of EDSA alive in the years to come, especially among the younger generation who did not experience the remarkable bloodless revolution to restore democracy and respect for human rights. With regards to the 1988 movie “A Dangerous Life” which was screened during the 30th EDSA I anniversary commemoration, Ambassador Ruiz expressed the hope that the movie will serve as a reminder against the return of martial law in the country.
The attendees watched three short video clips of testimonials and perspectives from Jesuit priest Fr. Eric Velandria, Former Senator Butz Aquino, and EDSA 29 People Power Commissioners (EPPC), followed by the reading of a short story entitled “Isang Harding Papel” and a poem entitled “EDSA” by MWOFRC wards Ms. Geraldine Silva and Ms. Girlly Torentira, respectively. Mr. Alejandro Ricardo D. Ruiz then shared a brief eyewitness account of the People Power Revolution.
The commemorative program concluded with a film screening, which was introduced by Vice Consul Enrik Fort Revillas. END