EDSA 40: Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the People Power Revolution

As of February 22, 2026, the Philippines is preparing for a landmark event: the 40th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution. Four decades since the peaceful uprising that toppled the dictatorship and restored democracy, the 2026 commemoration—dubbed EDSA@40—is shaping up to be one of the most significant mobilizations in recent history.

1. The Theme: "Tayo ang People Power"

The 2026 celebrations are centered around the theme "Tayo ang People Power Laban sa Korapsyon at Dinastiya" (We are People Power against Corruption and Dynasties). Unlike previous years, this anniversary bridges historical remembrance with modern-day calls for systemic reforms, specifically targeting the Anti-Dynasty Law and accountability in government infrastructure projects.

2. Schedule of Activities: February 25, 2026

A day-long series of events is scheduled across Metro Manila, specifically at the EDSA Shrine and the People Power Monument. Below is the official itinerary for the main mobilization, known as the Trillion Peso March Part 3:

• 07:00 AM: Assembly at the EDSA Shrine (National Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace).
• 09:00 AM: Prayer March from the EDSA Shrine to the People Power Monument.
• 10:00 AM: Panata ng Mamamayan (People's Pledge) at the Monument.
• 03:00 PM: Main Program: "Noon, Ngayon, Bukas" (Past, Present, Future).
• 06:00 PM: Commemorative High Mass presided over by Archbishop Socrates Villegas at the EDSA Shrine.
• 08:00 PM: Free Outdoor Concert at Eton Centris featuring Ben&Ben and other local artists to launch YSpeak 2.0.

3. "Walang Pasok": School and University Holidays

In recognition of the significance of the 40th year, several major academic institutions have declared February 25, 2026, as a school holiday or "Day of Reflection." This allows students and faculty to participate in nationwide activities. Notable schools with suspended classes include:

1. Ateneo de Manila University
2. De La Salle Philippines (All campuses)
3. University of Santo Tomas (UST)
4. Adamson University
5. University of the East (Manila and Caloocan)
6. University of the Philippines - Cebu

4. Nationwide Commemoration

The anniversary is not limited to Metro Manila. The Trillion Peso March Movement and the Catholic Church have confirmed simultaneous commemorations in 86 dioceses across the Philippines. This nationwide effort seeks to honor the heroism of ordinary Filipinos from 1986 while addressing contemporary issues like historical revisionism.

"History is only sad if it only speaks about the past; history talks to us every day about the present." — Kiko Aquino Dee, EDSA@40 Organizer

Conclusion

The 40th anniversary of EDSA is more than a holiday; it is a pulse check for Philippine democracy. Whether you are attending the prayer march at the shrine or watching the concert at Centris, the message of 2026 is clear: the spirit of People Power remains a living, breathing force in the Filipino consciousness.