by Maan Deuda
Marking the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, the Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral (KASAMA) and the MSU-IIT Historical Society (MIHS) hosted a talk series and solidarity gathering on Tuesday, February 25, bringing IITians together in dialogue and protest.
Leading critical discussions on the revolution’s legacy and its relevance to contemporary activism, the talk series featured Asst. Prof. Artchil Daug from the Department of History and Emmanuel Moso from the Kilusan Para sa Pambansang Demokrasya, both providing thought-provoking insights on its impact.
In his session, ‘History of EDSA Revolution in Relation to Today’s Student Leadership and Student Activism,’ Asst. Prof. Daug emphasized the need to critically reassess the EDSA narrative, arguing that true revolutionary change comes not from nostalgic commemoration but from actively challenging the status quo, addressing systemic inequalities, and envisioning new possibilities for change.
“If another true revolutionary moment is to come, it will not arise from commemorating EDSA as we have been told. It will emerge when we traverse its fantasy, when we recognize what has been disavowed, and when we choose to act beyond the limits imposed by the past,” he asserted.
The History professor used the concept of the “seven veils of fantasy” by Slovene philosopher Slavoj Žižek to examine the illusions or false ideas surrounding EDSA. He argued that these veils represent ways in which the EDSA narrative oversimplifies history and shapes people’s perceptions of activism and politics.
Among these illusions are the promotion of peaceful activism while disregarding more radical resistance, the establishment of narrow definitions of acceptable political action that stifle imagination, and the oversimplification of deeper social issues by framing EDSA as a straightforward battle between good and evil—democracy and dictatorship. Rather than exposing long-standing inequalities, such as elite rule in the country, EDSA has been presented as a mere return to democracy.
This idealized version discourages more radical change, turning EDSA into a ritual that allows for symbolic resistance without real reform. Ultimately, while EDSA is celebrated as a triumph of “people power,” it paradoxically helps maintain power in the hands of the elite.
“It is no accident that EDSA, in its official memory, is structured around the imagery of moral wholeness, familial reconciliation, and national redemption. The strong man is vanquished, democracy is restored, the people are victorious. But what if these are not resolutions but fantasies meant to shield us from the deeper impossibility that cannot be symbolized?” Asst. Prof. Daug challenged.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Moso from the Kilusan Para sa Pambansang Demokrasya began his talk on ‘Punto de Bista ng Isang Aktibista: Student Activism as a Practice’ by sharing his own experiences as an activist.
He highlighted how activism is often triggered by the discomfort felt by people with their realities, telling, “They were uncomfortable sa situation sa ilang katilingban at that time.”
Supporting Daug’s points, Moso contended that the revolution was not a true ‘revolution’ that led to lasting transformative change, as it failed to dismantle the deep-rooted systemic issues of elite rule that had existed since the post-colonial period, long before Marcos.
He also stressed how the commemoration of EDSA has been reduced to mere nostalgia, overshadowing its true intention. “...na-reduce ang EDSA into two confronting factions of our society and we came to know them today as the Aquinos and the Marcoses, so ing-ana na lang siya, and we try to commemorate it every 25th of February, wearing yellow ribbons…” he said.
Thus, Moso emphasized that the youth of today should stand up and advocate for the essence of real democracy. “Naa ba’y demokrasya nga tinuod sa Pilipinas? The will of the people, the majority?” he asked.
He further argued that democracy in the Philippines remains under the control of a privileged few, elites, suggesting that the mere existence of elections does not equate to genuine democracy.
Hence, he urged citizens to take a stand. “We will always be confronted nga ang atong katilingban is so divided of the few who has almost everything and many nga wala. Ang mga meron at mga wala — yun ang divide sa ating lipunan. And on that divide, dili pwede nga neutral ta. We have to have our choice, we have to take side,” he echoed.
“Activism is simply being active—bisag simple nga mangutana lang ta’g question ngano na ing-ani ni atong katilingban, and from there asa paingon ang atong mga tubag ug asa paingon atoang journey ana nga question [that is activism],” Moso asserted. “Makibaka, ‘wag matakot,” he added.
The talk series concluded with speeches from former KASAMA President, Chester Laurie Tagacay and Prof. German Garvacio from the Departmento ng Filipino at Panitikan.
Tagacay underscored the importance of collective action in shaping societal realities, urging students to critically reflect on today’s social landscape to reignite the spirit of activism and drive meaningful change. “Let us be the changemakers, the dreamers, and the doers who transform our society one courageous act at a time,” he said.
Prof. Garvacio, who personally witnessed the EDSA Revolution, shared his firsthand experiences, emphasizing that the event was not about political families but about the Filipino people. “Ang EDSA Revolution ay hindi ito tungkol sa mga Aquinos, hindi kina Enrile, hindi tungkol nila Ramos, kina Honasan, o kahit sinong pamilyang politikal. Tungkol ito sa tao, sa masang Pilipino,” he clarified.
He attested to the realities reported in the news and the conditions he observed firsthand, stressing that if the country seeks to avoid armed movements, the government must not give people reasons to take up arms. He further highlighted that activism is an essential force in shaping the nation, rooted in the genuine care for others and for their countrymen.
“Nagsisimula ang aktibismo, pag may pakialam na tayo sa kapwa natin. Kapag inuuna natin ang iba kaysa sa atin,” Prof. Garvacio reminded.
The event concluded with a solidarity walk, where students followed a route from the Mini-Theatre to the CASS rotunda, ending at the University Park. Several students also shared their messages and insights, emphasizing the enduring spirit of activism and the significance of collective action in driving change.
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