By: Mr. Mark Aleson Sanico (Social Studies & Makabansa Area Coordinator)
The Grade School Department of Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu commemorated the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution with a celebration rooted in prayer, reflection, and meaningful action. What began as a school gathering became a shared encounter with history, inviting young Ateneo Hearters to see that People Power is not only remembered but lived.
Forty years ago, Filipinos stood together in peaceful protest, choosing courage and unity in the face of injustice. This year’s commemoration carried that same spirit, reminding pupils that faith and responsibility remain at the heart of nation-building.
Solidarity Prayer Parade
The celebration opened at the Lux Oriens Gym with a solidarity prayer parade. The community, composed of pupils, teachers, and parents prayed the rosary while processing toward the Magis Eagles Arena, recalling how citizens once gathered along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue in 1986 to stand for truth and freedom.
A light drizzle accompanied the procession, adding quiet solemnity to the parade. Rather than disrupt the moment, it deepened its meaning, echoing the uncertainty of those historic February days while affirming steadfast faith. Upon reaching the arena safely, the community offered general intercessions for the country and its leaders. A final blessing from Fr. Irmo Valeza, SJ grounded the gathering in faith and mission.
The arena, then filled with the moving strains of “Pananagutan”, reminded everyone that loving one’s country calls for shared responsibility and care for one another.
Power Chat & Grade-Level Engagement
The program continued with a reflective plenary by Mr. Mark Aleson Sanico, who revisited the realities surrounding the 1986 revolution: limits on freedom of speech, controlled media, unjust imprisonments, and the absence of free elections. Pupils were guided to understand that change happened because ordinary Filipinos chose unity over fear and prayer over violence.
Through simple yet meaningful questions, pupils recognized that People Power is present whenever they choose honesty, kindness, courage, and faith. The message was clear: the legacy of EDSA lives on in everyday choices.
Each grade level then translated remembrance into action. Grade 1 reflected on gratitude toward school helpers. Grades 2 and 3 completed their Tayo ang People Power booklets and wrote prayers for the nation. Grade 4 highlighted unsung heroes through column writing. Grade 5 addressed letters to future Filipinos, encouraging bravery and integrity. Grade 6 created brochures as human rights advocates, emphasizing the importance of remembering the past to protect the future.
The Spirit Lives On
Before the program concluded, the community joyfully sang “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo”, led by Mr. Marcel Baril, Mr. Franklyn Gisultura, Ms. Trisha Mae Roble, Ms. Bianca Eran, Ms. Myles Claire Bontilao, and Ms. Maria Lisandra Tugaoen. White ribbons waved in the air as Ateneo Hearters sang with enthusiasm, transforming the arena into a vibrant expression of unity and hope.
The 40th anniversary celebration showed that the spirit of the EDSA People Power Revolution remains alive in the Grade School community. In prayerful steps taken together, in songs sung with conviction, and in reflections offered with sincerity, young Hearters embraced the call to stand for truth and justice.
As the celebration came to a close, one message resounded clearly in every heart: Tayo ang People Power!
