Ateneo de Naga University marked the 40th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution with a series of commemorative activities across its campus in February 2026. Guided by the theme “EDSA @40: Stewarding People Power, from Memory to Mission,” the university community reflected on this pivotal moment in Philippine history while renewing its commitment to social consciousness and responsibility.

In an official statement, the university noted that many systemic injustices that sparked the Revolution persist today, and that achieving true democracy requires “constant renewal, vigilance, accountability, and integrity in local institutions and everyday governance.” The statement emphasized ADNU’s social mission, calling on students and leaders to “think critically, act responsibly, and safeguard the dignity of every person,” while practicing stewardship through honesty, civic engagement, and daily commitment to doing what is right.

Memories in Motion: People Power Then and Now

On February 24, more than a thousand students filled the University Gym for Memories in Motion: People Power Then and Now Video-Making Festival, organized by the College Ignatian Formation Program and National Service Training Program (CIFP and NSTP) Department and the Office of Student Affairs (OSA).

The festival featured 30 student-produced film entries that revisited narratives from the Martial Law regime and the EDSA Revolution, while drawing connections to contemporary social issues. The winning entries were announced during the program: Krusada (First Prize), Kahon (Second Prize), and Giraray (Third Prize).

The event also showcased musical performances by Karl Ramirez and Kilyab Band. A highlight of the afternoon was the community singing of Dai Nindo Nadadangog, the Bikol translation of Do You Hear the People Sing? from the musical Les Miserables, translated by Dr. Jazmin Llana.

Songs of EDSA and From Memory to Mission Talk-Conversation

On the morning of February 25, the Covered Courts became the venue for Songs of EDSA: Music that Moved a Nation Mini-Concert and the From Memory to Mission Talk-Conversation.
The mini-concert featured performances from the University Band and the University Choir.

The talk-conversation, organized by OSA, brought together individuals who lived through the Martial Law period and the 1986 Revolution. Educators Dr. Rebecca Torres and Maria Liwayway De los Trino, along with retired Judge Soliman Santos, shared their experiences, their advocacies against the dictatorship, and how they carried the lessons of EDSA into their careers and civic engagements.

Leo Paulo Imperial, Chairperson of the Social Sciences Department, delivered a brief reflection on the significance of the People Power Revolution, its gains and limitations, and the challenges it poses to the present generation. The event was hosted by Dr. Marshal Murillo, Executive Assistant to the University President, and was attended by CIFP, NSTP, and Physical Education classes.

Misa ng Bayan and Candle-Lighting Ritual

The commemoration concluded on February 25 with a Misa ng Bayan at 5:15 p.m., presided over by Fr. Aristotle C. Dy, S.J., University President. The homily was delivered by Fr. Jose Embile, Jr., S.J., who shared his experiences during the EDSA Revolution.

In his commissioning message, Fr. Dy emphasized the need to apply the lessons of EDSA in the duties and responsibilities of members of the university community.
At 6:00 p.m., the community gathered at the Four Pillars for the Illuminating the Past, Committing to the Future Candle-Lighting Closing Ritual, led by the College Campus Ministry Office. The procession began at the Covered Courts with the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia and proceeded to the Four Pillars. The ritual included community singing, prayer petitions, and the candle-lighting of students.

Engagement Across Educational Levels

The commemoration also involved the Basic Education units. The Junior High School set up an EDSA Prayer Station and conducted a classroom session titled Sakdal-Laya, focusing on social justice and freedom.

The Senior High School (SHS) mounted a series of activities to deepen students’ engagement with the legacy of EDSA. From February 19–27, 2026, the SHS Film Society led Ang Pamulat, Ang Kalooban, at Ang Protesta, which included a screening of Alaala ng Dakilang Kalsada, a Freedom Wall, literary submissions, and a ribbon-tying activity.
The SHS also held the Plenum Debate (February 16–19) under the theme “HEED: Hone, Engage, and Execute Debate,” promoting critical discussion on socio-political issues. Meanwhile, the ADNU SHS Student Council organized Salingoy: EDSA Exhibit from February 23 to March 6 at Belardo Hall, providing students with a reflective space on the significance of EDSA.
Culminating their initiatives, the ADNU SHS Student Council Organization conducted an online forum titled “Diwa ng EDSA: Paglinang sa Kamalayang Demokratiko ng Kabataan” on February 28, 2026. Dr. Marshal Murillo and Mr. Percival Tordilla served as speakers, highlighting the role of the youth in nurturing democratic values and active citizenship.
Other activities during the week included the Social Sciences Department’s Kapihan: Where do we go from here? Remembering the People Power Revolution at the Arrupe Convention Hall; student government-led initiatives such as Banwaan: Never to Be Forgotten Conversation Circle, Lakdang: A Walk to Remember Photo Walk + Freedom Wall, and the Office of Buklod Ambassador Booth featuring Ateneo alumnus and activist Edgar Jopson (“Edjop”); as well as class exhibits and artistic events under Buklad 2026: Ateneo de Naga Arts and Culture Festival, including a forum on Arts and Resistance and the Mga Larawan na ‘di Pasisiil exhibit.

Beyond Campus Walls

In addition to these campus activities, ADNU students also engaged in commemorations organized by other institutions and civic groups. A delegation of student leaders from Lideratos took part in the National EDSA Recall Youth Summit held at Ateneo de Manila University, Miriam College, and the EDSA Shrine. Likewise, Senior High School students attended events organized by the Naga City Government and the Archdiocese of Caceres.

The major commemorative activities were planned and coordinated by a core group of representatives from various offices, departments, and student organizations, convened by Fr. Dy and chaired by Rodolfo “Sonny” S.B. Virtus Jr., Director of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA). The committee developed a series of initiatives that engaged members of the university community in meaningful reflection and dialogue on the legacy and continuing relevance of EDSA, rooted in the university’s social mission: service of faith and the promotion of justice.

Photos courtesy of Sherwin Perez, Jam Mazo, Jerwin Dumalasa, Jovit Verona, and ARTV