Defensor tells public to remember EDSA 1 lessons

GOVERNOR Arthur Defensor Sr. urges the general public not to forget the lessons of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution which gave the Filipinos democracy and freedom.

Defensor, along with the employees of Provincial Government, lead on Monday the commemoration of the 27th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution. The employees release yellow balloons and conducted a brief program at the Capitol grounds.

ILOILO. Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. leads the releasing of yellow balloons at the Capitol grounds after the flag-raising ceremony on February 25, 2013 in commemoration of the 27th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. (Contributed photo)

Invited in the simple celebration were personalities who shared their experiences during the peaceful uprising namely: radio broadcaster Francisco “Ompoy” Pastrana; Pavia Mayor Arcadio Gorriceta; Board Member Licurgo Tirador; lawyer Pablo Nava III; Bert Marin, and Chito Miclat.

Pastrana, then a reporter of dyFM Bombo Radyo who was sent to cover the events at Camp Crame and Edsa, recounted his experience at the height of the uprising.

Defensor was an Assemblyman of Iloilo in 1986 and was an active supporter of former President Corazon Aquino.

Defensor noted that the most important gain of the People Power Revolution is the restoration of democracy after almost 20 years of dictatorial rule of deposed President Ferdinand Marcos.

“We have restored democracy and eventually acquired our lost freedoms but this democracy and our freedoms will still lose if we don’t know how to take care of it. The only way we can preserve it is through good governance, honesty, transparency and justice,” Defensor said.

The Governor also observed that while democracy was restored in the country, much is still to be desired if we want to progress as a nation.

He cited the continued existence of corruption in government and the massive vote buying during elections.

“We have to celebrate Edsa every year if only to remind us of our sacrifices from the hands of the dictator and what we have done to restore freedom that we are now enjoying,” Defensor added. (PR)