The Sentro Rizal of Phnom Penh (SRPP) led the Filipino community in Cambodia in celebrating the 30th anniversary of EDSA People Power on 28 February 2016. With the theme “Pagbabago – Pinaglaban N’yo, Itutuloy Ko”, this year’s celebration was more than a commemoration, as it aimed to rekindle the solidarity among Filipinos who fought for freedom and justice in a peaceful manner, and make it more relevant to the present generation.
The event featured a re-enactment of those four fateful days in February 1986 by the students of SRPP’s Filipino Language Class. Two short film clips were then shown to stimulate discussion on the theme – one was to reflect on the historical context of EDSA People Power and the second one was to elicit insights on its significance and relevance to Filipinos in Cambodia. The discussion that ensued was an emotional one to many, as they recalled their experience during the peaceful revolt or their own contribution to the fight against the injustices during martial law.
Attended by children, parents, and grandparents, the event was an intergenerational celebration of the Philippines’ shining moment in history that served to inspire other similarly oppressed countries.
The attendees then sang “Bayan Ko”, many the characteristic outstretched arms, as a manifestation of their commitment to continue to embrace the spirit of EDSA, to share the lessons of EDSA with the next generation so that they can better appreciate the legacy of freedom and democracy they are now enjoying. END
