MANILA, Philippines — The Ateneo de Manila University said on Tuesday that it will hold a university-wide commemoration of the EDSA People Power Revolution on February 25, 2026.
“I am declaring a University Holiday on this date to underline the significance of this celebration and to enable our community – students, faculty members, professionals, staff, administrators, alumni/ae and parents – to join the EDSA@40 commemoration activities. I have tasked the Mission Integration Cluster to organize our contingent to the events,” Ateneo president Fr. Roberto Yap said.
This year’s theme is “Laging Manalig, Patuloy na Magtaya” (Always believe, keep taking chances).
“We remember that the University’s response to Martial Law and the Marcos dictatorship was inspired by the call of a faith that does justice and leads to committed service. Our community participated in processes of formation and engagement that instilled a deep value for human dignity, people empowerment, solidarity with the poor, and communal reconciliation that is the spirit of active nonviolence,” the university said.
“Drawing on Gospel values and Catholic social teaching, and moved by the witnessing of people who, following the example of Christ, gave of themselves in the struggle for democracy, we joined with millions of fellow Filipinos in the courageous and peaceful collective action that made possible the victory at EDSA in 1986,” it added.
On Feb. 24, the university will hold a Mass at the Blue Eagle Gym at 10:30 a.m. On Feb. 25, the university’s community will join other schools, communities, parishes, and organizations in the Tayo ang People Power events in the EDSA Shrine and People Power Monument in Quezon City.
“Many of our people today have no memory of the genuine popular achievement of February 1986 and only see the widespread and brazen corruption, impunity, and inequality in our country today. But our youth are also searching for spaces of hope and for opportunities to work for a Philippine society that upholds the common good and is truly responsive to the needs of our people, especially the poor and vulnerable,” Yap said.
Feb. 25 was declared a special working holiday by the government this year.
