Maryknoll Missionary Disciples

Revolution…. Revolution is often synonymous with violence and bloodshed, yet it can also be a catalyst for profound transformation.  As a teenager, I witnessed firsthand a peaceful, non-violent revolution that defied all expectations.  It was a revolution characterized by the quiet power of collective action and faith of the ordinary individuals – the unsung heroes of society.

I was living in Manila in 1986, too young to fully grasp the political situation. Snap elections had just occurred, and all the poll workers walked out due to rampant and blatant election fraud.  My mom always had the radio on 24/7.  News broke that the military and the Defense Secretary were withdrawing their support for the then president, the dictator and tyrant Ferdinand Marcos.  They knew what Marcos was capable of, especially since the country had been under Martial Law since 1972, and human rights were regularly disregarded.  So they decided to stand their ground and stay together at Camp Aguinaldo right by the main thoroughfare, EDSA.   

The Philippines is a very religious country, with almost 80% Catholic.  Religion is deeply intertwined with our everyday lives.  It is very difficult to separate religion and politics.  Because of this, when the then Cardinal of Manila, Cardinal Sin went on the radio to ask people to support the military and the Defense Secretary, people listened.  This is part of what he said,

 If any of you could be around at Camp Aguinaldo to show your solidarity and your support in this very crucial period when our two good friends [then Defense Secretary Enrile and then Vice Chief of Staff Ramos] have shown their idealism, I would be very happy…. Please come.¹

Now if you know any Filipino, you know that food is integral to our culture.  We don’t go anywhere without food.  So when ordinary Filipino citizens, labor workers, factory workers, students, nuns, priests, went to the streets of EDSA, they brought food for the soldiers as a gesture of their support. 

By this time, there were two forces in EDSA.  Those who defected and the soldiers with tanks and heavy artillery who had orders from Marcos to destabilize the defectors.  However, for the ordinary Filipino citizens who responded to the call of Cardinal Sin, these soldiers were all the same, they were all Filipinos.  These ordinary citizens were not afraid to face the huge tanks, standing shoulder to shoulder and extending gestures of goodwill through food and flowers. Perhaps fueled by the deep religiosity and faith of Filipinos, these soldiers found themselves pausing despite the orders from above, the Commander in Chief himself, Marcos.  Looking at the faces of the people in front of them, they connected.  They realized they all shared the same identity and thus questioned their directives to harm and bombard these innocent people with their tanks.  A deep transformation happened.  The soldiers were moved by the unwavering spirit of the ordinary Filipino citizens offering love through food and rosaries.  Barriers crumbled as hearts softened amidst the spirit of solidarity.  The soldiers graciously accepted the acts of kindness and love. However, the tyrant was still in office….

In the meantime, as a teenager, I was not fully aware of the events unfolding around me.  All I knew was school was out but I still had a huge Science project to complete.  Living not too far from EDSA, my father responded to the call and was part of the peaceful revolution.  He was actively participating in a pivotal moment in our country’s history.    

All day long, the radio continuously reported updates and urged people to show their support and solidarity by going out to EDSA.  I couldn’t help it but slowly, my interest and fervor were growing inside me.  I didn’t realize that a slow personal transformation was also happening within me.  My perspective was slowly shifting from simply all about myself and my school work to a genuine concern for the well-being of my country.  I was feeling envious of my father that I wanted to be part of that momentous event as well, and go with him. Initially, he hesitated due to safety concerns.  However, on the third day, there was a dramatic turn of events.  Thanks to the resilience, perseverance, unwavering faith, and solidarity of ordinary people, the tyrant and dictator left the seat of power and was ousted!  The next day, my father along with my mother brought me to EDSA.  I had a huge Philippine flag with me.  I was waving it all so proudly. I saw people around me celebrating jubilantly, and just beaming with relief and pride.  Yes, it only took 3 days of peaceful, non-violent revolution to achieve the remarkable feat of toppling an all-powerful dictator! 

Decades later, the experience still resonates within me.  As I reflect on the remarkable events of that transformative period, I am struck by the profound impact it had on shaping not just my nation's history, but also my personal beliefs and principles.  As I recall the faces of those courageous individuals who stood firm in front of adversity, I am reminded that true change often begins with a single act of courage and compassion. I can always go back to that moment in my life where I can draw strength and deepen my faith, remind myself that no action is too small and no faith is too little for transformation to happen.  

                         Joy with her Father, 1986

¹https://usa.inquirer.net/94355/why-unesco's-memory-of-the-world-included-audio-records-of-edsa-1986