Honoring the 36th EDSA People Power Anniversary, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Southern Mindanao Region (BAYAN-SMR), together with progressive party lists and individuals, led a mass action in view of the upcoming 2022 National Elections.

For this year’s commemoration, the protesters advocated government accountability and a people’s movement for the elections.

BAYAN-SMR Spokesperson Beverly Gofredo explained how this celebration is not only to remember what happened during late Ferdinand Marcos’s fascist regime but to also utilize it as a “guide” in the long-going battle against its apparent adverse effects.

Essentially, she stressed the crucial responsibility of the youth in advancing the callings of Filipinos regarding national concerns.

“Dako gyud ug kaning papel ang mga kabataan in terms sa pagsabay kasi yung mga ginawa ng mga Marcoses, especially na yung pagbaon sa atin sa utang na almost billion dollars na pag baon sa atin ay binabayaran [pa rin] ng mamamayan, lalong lalo na yung mga kabataan,” she told Atenews.

In light of the upcoming elections, she mentioned that the EDSA People Power Revolution is a reminder to not vote for the son of a dictator and a robber, as well as to not extend President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration through his daughter and Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

“Etong tandem na ito nagpapatunay sa kahalagahan ng pagkakaroon ng malinaw na pag-aaral sa kasaysayan dahil may parte sila doon sa nangyayari na pag-aabuso, extrajudicial killings, at iba pang porma ng pagyurak sa karapatang pantao,” Gofredo stated.

She also emphasized the need to be critical in choosing who to vote, noting that they must fit the criteria of “walang bahid ng anomalya, walang bahid ng kasinungalingan, open o aktibo doon sa diskusyon na ginagawa at walang paligoy-ligoy na sumasama duon sa mga diskusyon na para malaman ng taong-bayan ano ang mga plataporma nila.” 

Recalling the essence of the commemoration, the BAYAN-SMR Spokesperson shared her thoughts on the heart of activism in the country. 

“Kung hindi nag-alsa ‘yung mamamayan noong panahon nila Bonifacio, sa panahon nila Marcos, at panahon ngayon ay patuloy na magiging mangmang sa tunay na kalagayan ng lipunan at tunay na kasaysayan [ang mga mamamayan],” Gofredo said.

“So, panghawakan ng kabataan, bilang mga pag-asa ng bayan, ang pagpapatuloy ng laban ng mga bayani sa ating bansa,” she added, highligting youth participation.

The mass movement was held at Freedom Park last February 25.