Teaching Our Kids the Power of People Power 🇵🇭
One of my earliest memories was of the EDSA Revolution. There was a lot of yellow. I was about 5 years old. I remember being at the dining table and one of the grown-ups, my dad or maybe his friend, saying, "Sabi ni Tita Cory, it's time to go." (Cory Aquino says it’s time to go). Then, my parents left the house with grim determination.
I only have slivers of memories, but I do recall a feeling of something much bigger than I was was happening—something monumental, something very important that meant something to the whole country, something that was going to change. And I, small as I was at that time, was a part of it. My family, my roots had something to do with it.
A very important feeling I want to pass on to my kids
Why Teach Kids About People Power?
Our kids don’t have to grow up in the Philippines to be proud of their heritage. Learning about People Power helps them understand the strength and heart of the Filipino people. It was a shining moment on the world stage, proving that change can happen through unity and peace. It was one of the first non-violent revolutions that successfully toppled a dictatorship, inspiring movements in other countries.
The EDSA Revolution represented many firsts for the world:
✅ One of the first peaceful revolutions to overthrow a dictatorship.
✅ The first time a military force chose to stand with the people instead of against them.
✅ A global symbol of non-violent resistance that inspired similar movements in other countries.
Truly, if there was something that could some it all up, it would be the song "Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo" still hits me to my core today:
"Handog ng Pilipino sa mundo, mapayapang paraang pagbabago."
(What Filipinos offer to the world is a peaceful way to affect change.)
10 Kid-Friendly Facts About the People Power Revolution
So how do we start teaching our kids about our history? Here are ten kid-friendly facts about the People Power Revolution that you can share with your children:
1️⃣ It was a peaceful revolution! No weapons, just people coming together to fight for freedom.
2️⃣ It happened on EDSA, a major road in Metro Manila, which is why it’s also called the EDSA Revolution.
3️⃣ More than 2 million Filipinos joined the protest! People from all walks of life gathered to stand against dictatorship.
4️⃣ Filipinos held up rosaries, flowers, and prayer books—instead of guns—to show their faith and commitment to peace.
5️⃣ Soldiers and civilians faced each other, but instead of fighting, some soldiers joined the people!
6️⃣ The event lasted four days (February 22-25, 1986) and changed the course of history.
7️⃣ Music, food, and prayer filled the streets. It was a protest, but it also felt like a celebration of hope.
8️⃣ The revolution ended a 20-year dictatorship and restored democracy to the Philippines.
9️⃣ Many kids and teenagers were there, learning the value of standing up for what is right.
🔟 Today, we honor the courage of those who fought by celebrating People Power Day every February 25.
Additional Resources
Check out these documentaries and books for some visuals and more background. Here are some documentaries and books that can help parents learn more about the EDSA People Power Revolution and effectively teach it to their children:
Documentaries:
"EDSA 20 'Isang Larawan'"
Produced by the Philippine Daily Inquirer in 2006 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the EDSA Revolution, this 50-minute documentary features interviews with individuals who played significant roles during the uprising. It provides a comprehensive overview suitable for family viewing.
Watch on YouTube"EDSA: The World Remembers"
This 1995 documentary by Maria Venus Raj showcases how the People Power Revolution was perceived globally. It includes insights from world leaders and highlights the international significance of the event.
Watch on YouTube"Remembering the Rebirth of Philippine Democracy"
Released in 2022, this documentary offers a retrospective look at the events of the EDSA Revolution, featuring archival footage and interviews that provide context and personal stories from those who experienced it firsthand.
Watch on YouTube
Books:
"People Power: An Eyewitness History"
This book is a compilation of firsthand accounts from various individuals who witnessed and participated in the revolution. It provides diverse perspectives, making it a valuable resource for understanding the multifaceted nature of the event.
Available at Ateneo de Manila University Press"Taming People's Power: The EDSA Revolutions and their Contradictions" by Lisandro E. Claudio
This scholarly work analyzes the narratives surrounding the EDSA Revolution, offering a critical perspective on its legacy and the various interpretations that have emerged over time. It's insightful for parents seeking a deeper understanding of the event's complexities.
Available on Amazon"EDSA 1986: The Original People Power Revolution" by Angela Stuart-Santiago
This comprehensive account provides a detailed chronology of the events leading up to, during, and after the revolution. It's well-researched and offers an in-depth look at the key moments and figures of the uprising.
Read online
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Get more history and culture tips for kids on our blog:
How to Celebrate Philippine Independence Day with your kids
Pinay Ako! Amazing Filipina Women
🌟 How Words Shape Us: Exploring the Filipino Language 🇵🇭
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