Archbishop Uy to Cebuanos: ‘Join EDSA event’

CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy called on Cebuanos to actively participate in the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, emphasizing the moral responsibility to defend truth, integrity, and democratic values.

Uy’s message was delivered during a press conference for the Anti-Corruption Coalition’s SuPaKK 2.0 activities and was read by Archdiocesan Chancellor Msgr. Renato Beltran.

In his statement, the archbishop outlined three key reasons why every Cebuano should take part in the February 25 commemoration.

First, Uy said EDSA is part of the Filipino people’s moral identity. “EDSA was not just a political event; it was a moral stand,” he said, noting that the peaceful uprising demonstrated how Filipinos, guided by conscience, prayer, and unity, rejected dictatorship, corruption, and abuse of power without resorting to violence.

For Cebuanos, joining the anniversary is a reaffirmation that truth, integrity, and respect for human dignity remain important values, he added. “To remember EDSA is to remember who we are and who we want to remain as a people,” the message stated.

Second, Uy stressed that the country’s freedom continues to face challenges even four decades after the historic uprising. He pointed to persistent corruption, ongoing poverty, and fragile public trust in institutions as reminders that democracy requires constant vigilance.

“EDSA was not the end of the struggle; it was the beginning of our responsibility,” he said, urging the public not to be indifferent or silent but to help protect and renew democratic life through responsible governance, community involvement, and personal integrity.

Third, the archbishop highlighted the importance of historical memory for the younger generation. He said that failing to remember EDSA could lead young people to believe that corruption and abuse of power are normal and that silence is preferable to courage.

By participating in the commemoration, Uy said, adults demonstrate that freedom comes with responsibility and that ordinary citizens, united by shared values, can shape the nation’s future. “In one line: to join EDSA is to choose memory over forgetfulness, courage over indifference, and hope over cynicism,” the message read.

Uy encouraged the faithful and the public to attend the SuPaKK 2.0 gathering on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 1:45 p.m. at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu. “Let us stand together for our nation, for our children, and for the future we still believe is possible,” he said.

On February 25, the first activity will be the gathering of participants at the Santo Niño Pilgrim Center for those who wish to attend the Holy Mass. The Mass will begin at 1:45 p.m.

Approximately an hour after the Mass, the program will commence. This will include presentations, messages, and short talks reflecting on how we continue to live the spirit of EDSA today, particularly in the context of current issues such as corruption, the need for good governance, and the need to address social structures that enable and perpetuate corruption.

The program proper will last for less than an hour. After the program, participants will take part in a symbolic and peaceful march, bringing together people from different sectors, various faiths, civic groups, and even different political beliefs, all united against common threats to the welfare of the Filipino people.

This will be followed by a major cultural concert, featuring well-known bands and personalities. The concert is envisioned not only as entertainment but as a cultural expression of the people’s movement, inspired by the spirit of the 1986 People Power Revolution. Also, at 3:00 p.m. on February 25, there will be a bell-ringing.

Considering that February 25 has been declared a special working holiday, many students will be in school and may not be able to attend physically.

Instead, the Archbishop of Cebu will issue a pastoral letter requesting that all churches in the Archdiocese of Cebu ring their bells simultaneously at exactly 3:00 p.m.

The ringing of church bells will serve as a resounding message to the nation and the world that Cebuanos have not forgotten the events of 40 years ago.

After a one minute of bell ringing, a Unified Cry will be recited by students, workers, and participants. This will also take place at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño Pilgrim Center.

Four decades since EDSA, representatives from four generations will deliver brief but direct messages, each with a call to action.

The goal is to remind fellow Filipinos and Cebuanos that the spirit of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution must never be forgotten.

Participants will march from the Santo Niño area to the Martial Law Marker at Plaza Independencia in Cebu City. At the marker, there will be a simple offering of flowers as a symbolic act of remembrance and unity. The organizing coalition will also distribute 1,000 rosaries and flowers to participants. The rosaries have been prepared with the help of religious sisters.

This symbolic gathering aims to recreate the spirit of unity seen 40 years ago, demonstrating that both the young and the old continue to remember. After the offering, the program will transition to the Yugbo Concert. The Archbishop will deliver an invocation for Yugbo at the marker, symbolizing a gathering rooted in peace, unity, and love for the country.

No politicians included

The Cebu Anti-Corruption Coalition also reiterated its commitment to non-partisanship in the February 25 event.

“We understand that everything can be political in a broad sense, but we will not feature political personalities. They will not be given time on stage or access to the microphone during the program,” the organizer said.

City government officials have been informed not to appear on stage during the Mass, the gathering at the Santo Niño Pilgrim Center, and the main program.

While the organizers acknowledged that advocacies for social change should be inclusive, they explained that visible political participation may create perceptions of partisanship.

“When activities are interpreted as partisan, people tend to withdraw, and the credibility of the cause is affected,” said Father Jose Bagadiong, SVD, president of the Association of Consecrated Men of Cebu. “If we truly want to win as many people as possible to support a noble cause, we must avoid political coloring,” he added.

Considering that SuPaKK 2.0 is a public and inclusive gathering that many people will likely attend in the anti-corruption event, organizers also recognized that the presence of politicians may be inevitable. Bagadiong explained that barring politicians from speaking at the event is in line with the organization’s objective.

Organizers appealed to public officials for understanding, saying that the absence of political figures in the program is meant to protect the integrity and credibility of the movement.

Yukbo concert also non-political

Attorney Mel Libre, organizer of Yukbo concert explained that while the event is non-political, logistical support was requested from the Cebu City Government, such as the stage, sound system, and venue for the cultural concert.

He clarified that the agreement includes a condition that no political speeches will be delivered. “City officials may be present as members of the audience, but they will not go on stage. The program will be dedicated to musicians and cultural performers, except for the Archbishop’s invocation,” Libre said.

He added that any government officials who wish to participate in the commemoration are only allowed to attend as audience and not as guests. “Probably, you might see the mayor, councilors, or whoever—tua sila sa audience. They will not go up and deliver any speech,” he said.

Libre emphasized that the concert is a cultural expression, similar to the original Yugbo concerts after the 1986 EDSA Revolution, where artists performed songs about freedom and unity.

Organizers said the mobilization will involve the Cebu Anti-Corruption Coalition, which currently has around 60 organizations that have signed the Unified People’s Declaration.

These include Various faith-based groups; The Archdiocese of Cebu; Muslim community representatives; Protestant groups such as the UCCP; and other civic and sectoral organizations.