07 March 2016 – The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles held various commemorative events marking the 30th Anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution with the theme: “Pagbabago: Ipinaglaban Nyo, Itutuloy Ko!”
The Consulate General had a one-week mini-exhibit displaying various images of the EDSA People Power Revolution, including pictures of the late Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. and the late President Cory Aquino who had notable contributions that made the EDSA peaceful revolution possible. The said photos were displayed from February 22 to 29.
On February 24, a whole day showing of the video documentaries such as, “EDSA 1986, Handog Ng Pilipino Sa Mundo, Parts I & II” and “EDSA: The World Remembers” were played at the Community Hall and viewed by the Consulate’s public-clientele.
The Consulate’s commemoration was concluded with a Special Mass celebrated by Fr. Manny Gacad at St. Kevin Catholic Church on February 29. The Mass was organized in coordination with the Filipino Ministry of Los Angeles and was attended by members of the Filipino-American community.
Reverend Gacad, in his Homily, said, “the theme chosen for this year [was] very well phrased; what’s more, the words are, indeed, very engaging. Engaging, because the wording used do not only remember an event of the past. Engaging, because I allow that past event of thirty years ago to continue to be a moving force in my own life today, and also to be a moving force in the life of our nation.” He reminded the congregation not only to remember the significance and the values of EDSA but also to commit to the ideals that EDSA represent by living them in our daily lives and reflecting on what we can contribute to further enhance political, social and economic reforms in our country.
A beautiful rendition of “Magkaisa” sung by the Choir during the Communion while display of images of EDSA memoires flashed on the screen added to the solemnity of the commemorative mass.
After the mass, a short program was also presented which included the brief remarks by Consul General Leo M. Herrera-Lim and a five-minute video presentation of “EDSA 1986-Handog Ng Pilipino Sa Mundo.” In his remarks, Consul General Herrera-Lim emphasized this year’s theme of EDSA People Power. He encouraged the audience, particularly the parents to educate their children on the significance of the EDSA People Power Revolution because they are the ones who will continue the fight for freedom and democracy which revolution’s heroes fought for throughout the dictatorship and won back at EDSA in 1986. END