03 March 2016 - "Simple but meaningful." This was how the members of the Filipino community in Turkey described the celebration of 30th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution in the Embassy of the Philippines in Ankara, Turkey on February 28. Guided by this year's theme of “EDSA30: Pagbabago, Ipinaglaban N’yo, Itutuloy Ko,” the Embassy commemorated the EDSA People Power Revolution with 115 members of the Filipino community in Turkey, which include among others, more than 20 Filipino scholars and students from different cities.
The event started with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem followed by the opening remarks of Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Maria Mendoza Sanchez who emphasized the heroism of Filipinos during the 1986 EDSA. Ambassador Sanchez encouraged the audience to not forget the men and women who fought for the peaceful revolution. She also called on the millennial generation who are now enjoying the freedom and democracy that were won back in EDSA to continue carrying the torch of social change and institutional reform.
A video presentation of the official message of His Excellency President Benigno Aquino III on EDSA30 celebration was shown. After the video showing, Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, the first woman peace negotiator in the world to sign a final peace accord with a rebel group, provided a short briefing on the Bangsamoro Peace Process.
Professor Coronel-Ferrer's briefing was followed by a lively discussion on the theme of EDSA for this year. The discussion was facilitated by Filipino students, Ms. Angela Erbite and Mr. Adrielle Espinosa, who served as co-emcees of the event. Members of the Filipino community as well as the students enthusiastically provided their own take on the theme and explained how they can continue the fight that was started in EDSA by contributing to the betterment of the Philippines. A video conference was set-up by Post to enable students from other places in Turkey to share their opinions.
Mr. Benamine Ubpon, a student from Ankara, shared that EDSA is an example of a peaceful rally and that EDSA serves as an inspiration to many Filipinos to protect democracy because of the difficulties and suffering they experienced during Martial Law. Mrs. Nalida Bonto, one of the elders in the Filipino community, emotionally narrated her experience of joining the EDSA rally. She was deeply touched by how people united to gain back the democracy that was lost during the Martial Law. She expressed pride at being part of the EDSA revolution.
In a heartfelt statement, Mr. Khalid Omar, a student from Selçuk University in Konya, shared how it is to live in Mindanao for him and his family. Mr. Omar narrated how he and his family led a very difficult life in Mindanao and how painful it is to witness abusive rebels threatening his family and other fellow Filipinos in Mindanao. The rebels took their properties and some of Filipinos died protecting their rights. "I am so grateful for this opportunity to pursue my education in Turkey," said Mr. Omar. "I am pleading to all to support and pass the Bangsamoro Peace Process because it is the only chance we have to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao that we, all Filipinos, hoped for,” further stated by Mr. Khalid.
Mr. Kyle Christian Manejero, a student from Pamukkale University, emphasized that “EDSA is a symbol of solidarity" He encouraged his fellow students to "not forget the sacrifices and the sufferings of the Filipinos during the Marcos regime.” Mr. Abdulrahman Edding from Gaziantep University, on the other hand, invited the audience to “continue what our heroes started in EDSA by being patriotic, brave and ready to fight for our country.” Ms. Faozah Morad Uyan from Istanbul University called on the youth to be more patriotic and to care for the environment.
Consul General Robert Ferrer, Jr., in his closing remarks, stated that EDSA should inspire Filipinos in Turkey to be free from financial insecurity by proper investment of their hard-earned money, and to also be free from trafficking and free from concerns regarding their safety by being more cautious and heeding the advisories of the Embassy.
The program concluded with the community singing of “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo,” composed by Jim Paredes. END