Catholic educators and church leaders are urging schools in the Philippines to declare February 25, the anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, as an “academic holiday” to allow students to reflect on democracy and civic responsibility. The call comes ahead of the 40th anniversary of the historic uprising.

MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ Episcopal Commission on Catholic Education (CBCP-ECCE) released a joint statement on February 6, encouraging schools to suspend regular classes on February 25. 

Instead of holding lectures, they suggested that schools dedicate the day to activities such as Masses, youth forums, and civic formation programs. “Democracy is never self-sustaining. It demands vigilance, active participation, and fidelity to truth,” the statement read.

The groups emphasized that the commemoration should not be treated as a mere holiday but as an opportunity to deepen students’ understanding of the freedoms won during the peaceful revolution that toppled the Marcos dictatorship. They warned that democratic norms continue to face erosion and that young Filipinos must be reminded of the sacrifices made to restore liberty.

In past years, several schools, including De La Salle Philippines, the University of Santo Tomas, and the University of the Philippines Cebu, have suspended classes on February 25 despite government declarations making it a special working day. These institutions argued that preserving the relevance of the EDSA People Power Revolution was more important than routine academic schedules.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has not yet issued a directive declaring February 25 as a nationwide academic holiday, but schools are given flexibility under the school calendar guidelines to organize activities that promote civic engagement and historical awareness.

As the 40th anniversary approaches, the call for an academic holiday highlights the continuing importance of EDSA in shaping the country’s democratic identity. For educators and church leaders, the day is not only about remembering history but also about instilling vigilance and responsibility in the next generation of Filipinos.

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