In a bid to reinforce the lessons of history and uphold democratic values, Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) marked the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution through a film viewing and other advocacy-driven activities.

As part of the lineup, a film screening of A Dangerous Life (1988) was held, which follows an American journalist’s transformation from a detached foreign correspondent to a witness of the Marcos dictatorship’s brutalities, capturing the eventual uprising that led to the revolution.

In an interview with Atenews, the University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council (UCEAC) Chairperson Mark Paul Samante emphasized the importance of keeping the spirit of EDSA alive, especially among students as the country’s future leaders.

“EDSA is part of history, so by all means, we have to continue talking about it, tell the story of EDSA so that it will be of benefit to the future leaders, which are the students that we have right now,” Samante said.

Samante underscored the revolution’s global significance, noting how it set a precedent for other democratic movements worldwide.

“EDSA or the People Power Revolution was highly regarded internationally because it was a peaceful and non-violent ouster of a dictatorial government, with that being our contribution to the world, I think it’s very important that we don’t escape kung ano yung news that’s coming from us, it has to be shared to a bigger audience, international or local.” 

Samante also denounced historical distortion, asserting that academic institutions must remain committed to truth.

“[Historical distortion] is not part of what we are being taught in the academe. What we are taught in the academe is to seek the truth, so in pursuit of truth, we engage in dialogue, we engage in different advocacy campaigns to lead us to what really is the truth about issues and concerns of society.” 

This year’s commemoration carried the theme “Pagkat-on. Pakiglambigit. Pagdasig.” and featured a series of events across different University units, organized through the efforts of the University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council (UCEAC), the Arrupe Office of Social Formation, the Office of the Assistant to the President for Advocacy and Legal Affairs, SAMAHAN, and various student organizations.

The film screening was held last February 25 at the Training Room, 8th floor, Xavier Hall, CCFC Building, Ateneo de Davao University.

–

NOTE: This article was published in the April 2025 Tabloid Issue of Atenews. Grab a physical copy for free in the Atenews office.