The streets of Manila were flooded with people—men, women, children, nuns, priests, students, and workers. Their hands clutched rosaries, their voices lifted in prayer, and their hearts were filled with hope. It was February 1986, and the world was watching as millions of Filipinos gathered along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), unarmed but resolute, standing against a dictatorship that had ruled the country for over two decades.

The People Power Revolution was not just a political upheaval; it was a spiritual movement, a testament to the strength of faith, unity, and the belief that justice would prevail. Today, however, decades after that historic moment, one question lingers: Have we forgotten the true meaning of People Power?

To gain deeper insight, The OLPSian Times have collaborated with Mrs. Maria Ninia Bantilan, a CLE teacher, PEACE Advocacy Moderator, Chairperson of Sons and Daughters of OFW, and a Laudato Si Advocate, whose reflections remind us that People Power is more than just an event, it is a responsibility that transcends generations.

Mrs. Bantilan vividly recalls Jaime Cardinal Sin, then the Archbishop of Manila, in rallying the people to EDSA. “His voice, as the leader of the Archdiocese of Manila, was powerful and irresistible,” she shares. The Cardinal’s call was not a command of force but a plea for peace, and Filipinos responded; not with weapons, but with prayers.

It was an extraordinary display of faith, a revolution unlike any other. One fought not with violence, but with unwavering belief in God and the righteousness of their cause.

“The People Power Revolution showed us that through peaceful action, people can bring about real change. It proved that when Filipinos stand together for a common cause, for something good and right, God never fails us,” Mrs. Bantilan emphasizes.

Young and full of life, then the 20-year-old Mrs. Bantilan felt the emotions that filled her as she watched history unfold. “Seeing images or videos from the People Power Revolution evokes a deep sense of pride, joy, gratitude, and hope,” she says.

The victory was not only political—it was a triumph of faith and the collective spirit of the Filipino people. The revolution was not led by a single hero but by millions of ordinary citizens: “…the bishops, priests, nuns, uniformed men and women, and ordinary citizens who showed the world that Filipinos can make what seems impossible, possible, through faith in God and love for Our Lady.” Mrs. Bantilan stated. Despite fear and uncertainty, they chose to stand up for what was right.

But history is fragile, and democracy is never guaranteed. In a world of disinformation, historical distortion, and political manipulation, the youth play a crucial role in ensuring that the hard-fought freedom of 1986 is not lost.

“Young people should stay informed and think critically about what they read or see on social media,” Mrs. Bantilan warns. She stresses the importance of voting responsibly in the May 2025 elections, as well as using platforms like social media to promote justice, truth, and democracy. “Learning about democracy and teaching others its value is another important way to help protect it.” she reiterates.

How can we ensure that the lessons of the revolution are not forgotten?

Mrs. Bantilan believes that education is key. “We need to make sure its history is taught in schools, communities, and through social media,” she says. “Documentaries, books, and personal [firsthand] stories can help preserve the memory of the EDSA Revolution. The older generation should share their experiences with younger people to encourage understanding across generations.” She emphasizes the need to uphold the revolution’s legacy, stating, “to promote the values of democracy, unity, and non-violence through cultural and educational efforts to keep the legacy of the revolution alive.”

But more than knowledge, the spirit of People Power must be lived out in daily life. The fight for democracy is not confined to history books: it is an ongoing struggle.

“I believe there is no People Power without the power of God,” Mrs. Bantilan states firmly. 

“The collective action of the people was made possible by God’s Spirit guiding and uniting the Filipinos. In times of division, misinformation, and corruption, ‘People Power’ is expressed when every conscientious Filipino refuses to be swayed by fake news, corruption, and bad governance, and instead chooses to uphold everything that is good and true.”

As the years pass, there are efforts to diminish, distort, or even erase the memory of the People Power Revolution. But no law, no decree, no historical revisionism can erase the truth: People Power was real, it was just, and it changed the nation forever. It is now up to us to keep its spirit alive—not just through annual celebrations but through our daily actions, choices, and commitment to uphold democracy and faith.

Because faith without action is empty, and freedom without vigilance is fleeting.