Youth-Oriented Activities Readied For 30th EDSA Revolt Anniversary Rites

As the country marks the 30th anniversary of the EDSA People Power on Feb. 25, the Aquino government is setting up an experiential museum with exhibits designed to educate the Filipino youths about the history of Martial Law and the EDSA Revolution.

In a Palace press briefing, EDSA People Power Commissioner (EPPC) Emily Abrera said the country will spend up to PhP17.5 million on the establishment of People Power Experiential Museum along White Plains Avenue, which will be opened from Feb. 25 to 26.

Abrera said the amount is about half of the PhP30 million to PhP35-million budget for this year’s EDSA People Power anniversary celebration.

The museum will feature nine halls, each will represent not only periods in history but also themes that underscore the enduring narrative of Martial Law and the 1986 EDSA Revolution. It brings together elements of theater, cinema, photography and other allied arts.

The EPPC has lined up other activities to mark this year’s anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution carrying the theme “Pagbabago: Ipinaglaban N’yo, Itutuloy Ko!”

These are a series of dialogues, TalaKalayaan, slated on Feb. 15, 17 and 19; a youth-oriented, informal debate show, Iskoolmates, to be held at the University of the Philippines Campus in Quezon City on Feb. 16; launching of the “21:01” Comic Book on Feb. 21; and a wreath laying ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Feb. 22.

The EPPC has also partnered with the Foundation for Media Alternatives to produce videos that will counter the propaganda materials that seek to revise the nation’s history during Martial Law. Its target audiences are the “millennials”, or those born in the 1990s.

Other activities include the People’s Television Network’s (PTV-4) special forum “EDSA Trenta: Are We Still Dying For?”; a full-length ballet; and the traditional reenactment and program of the “Salubungan”.

The traditional features of “Salubungan” include the flag raising and a commemorative program where President Benigno S. Aquino III is the guest of honor. (PNA) LGI/LDV