CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 25 Feb) — Hundreds of Xavier University students poured onto the streets to commemorate the 1986 People Power Revolution, urging passing vehicles to honk their horns in defense of hard-earned freedom and liberties. Born after the 1986 uprising, many students only learned about the event from books and lectures but believed it was pivotal in securing their freedoms. “Silbato alang sa demokrasya! Panalipde ang kagawasan (Honk for democracy! Defend freedom),” shouted 18-year-old Albert Vinc Melodia to drivers on Corrales Avenue. Melodia emphasized that the struggle for good governance continues beyond EDSA 1986, a sentiment echoed by 19-year-old agriculture student Godwin Cabanatan, who carried a placard with the Martial Law cry, “Makibaka, huwag matakot!” Cabanatan and his peers lit candles, calling on drivers to join their cause and reject attempts to revise history by political vloggers and trolls. “Truth and freedom should be defended by our generation,” he said. The fervor of the students moved reporters, including RMN’s Menzie Montes, who expressed goosebumps, likening the scene to the spirit of 1986. Xavier University marked the 39th anniversary with a “Mass for Democracy,” a “Rosary walk,” and “Democracy Hour,” featuring music, poetry, and art. White ribbons, symbolizing political non-partisanship, replaced the yellow ribbons traditionally tied to trees. In contrast, the city government remained quiet, with Mayor Rolando Uy issuing no directive for commemoration. Ian Fuentes, the city’s information officer, noted the shift from the 1990s when EDSA Day was celebrated with the significance of Independence Day. Nestor Banuag Jr, XU’s advocacy officer, stressed that the legacy of the 1986 revolution belongs to the Filipino people, transcending political parties. The city remains significant as the birthplace of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), which merged with Ninoy Aquino’s Lakas ng Bayan (LABAN) to form the anti-Marcos PDP-LABAN alliance. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)
