The Lessons I'd Want My Kids To Learn From EDSA

Photo from gov.ph

It's been thirty years since the 1986 EDSA Revolution. While some would argue that the EDSA revolution brought just a short-lived change for our country, many still consider it as a turning point in our history. A dictatorship was toppled and a new government emerged, as well as new leaders.

It's quite sad and not really surprising that kids today don't fully grasp the idea of EDSA or what it stands for. It's really up to us parents, then, to make sure the spirit of EDSA is alive for the generations to come.

We asked moms and dads (who were but little kids when the EDSA Revolution happened) what is the one lesson from People Power that they would impart to their kids, and here are their answers:


"That a revolt can be done peacefully--and that the church was instrumental to it." --Esper Jimenez, stay-at-home mom of four


"That change is good. It gave our country a much needed change of government and leadership." --Lana Juan, paraeducator and mom of a preschooler


"More than anything, they should know why it happened. It was to defeat a dictatorship that was stepping over basic human rights. They should know that they are able to do things such as go out at night, write blogs, etc., because of the freedom of speech (that we gained back because of EDSA). Having said that, the freedom and the right also comes with responsibility. It's not only for the self alone but for the greater good."--Paulo Rey, dad of Jean, 9


"It paved the way for women empowerment. If I remember correctly, the late President Cory Aquino was the first woman, or one of the first women, to actually lead a country in Southeast Asia. I'd like to teach my daughters they can be anything they want to be when they grow up." --Joyce Rodas, 34


"I want my kids to remember that the fight to make the country better does not stop at EDSA. The fight doesn't end. We shouldn't lose hope for our country. We should be united in our goal to better the country for the younger generation." --Shar Picache, career mom of two


"I want to teach my kids that if everyone has the same goal and works for it, nothing is impossible, that our country still has hope. Everybody needs to do his part to make a difference even if you're just a simple mamamayan." --Reyna Garcia, physical therapist and mom of two


"The kids should learn from EDSA what we all did, that no one is above the law and to put the country above the self. Some adults say the kids don't care anymore about the country, but I think partially because they see it in their parents. The grownups don't care also, they bend the rules hanggang makakalusot, throw trash everywhere, to name a few. Little things count, too, not just a big show of strength like what happened in the People Power." --April Gomez, account supervisor and mom of two young kids


"That the society can better achieve their goals when they become united as one and when everyone becomes part of the solution instead of just putting the blame on the government all the time." --Sariah Ordinario, work-at-home and homeschooling mom of two


"I want my kids to know that the EDSA Revolution inspired people to be brave and be selfless for something they believed in. I can now see how I will teach my son Jaedan and daughter Ryli and say that if they truly believe they are in the right, they shouldn't be afraid and they should assert what is just. Hindi dapat papa-api. I also want to emphasize with them how they can achieve what they aspire for in a peaceful manner, and that together, as brother and sister, they can do even more." --Angelie Atupan, mom to Jaedan, 3, and Ryli, 1


"I think what our kids can learn from EDSA is the importance of initiative. If they feel that they should participate, they should have the right mind to decide that it's okay, go. They have to learn how to weigh things. As parents, I'm sure pipigilan mo ang anak mo kung alam mong may threat to his safety, but they should realize that the ideals that were championed during EDSA were far more important than the safety of one." --Lando Cruz, accountant and dad of three


"That the EDSA Revolution was for them, for the kids, so that they can enjoy basic human rights and hopefully continue to fight for it not just for the next generation, but also for the country's future. That's where the love for country should matter." --Vicky Roquez, mom of three


"I want my son to know that I was a part of it. My uncle carried me on his shoulders then; I was just five years old. I want him to know that kids were part of EDSA 1986, too, and that they  -- this generation -- can be part of something big. I want him to know that his parents love the country, and that he should, too. It's sometimes frustrating, but if everyone does his part, everything will fall into place." ---Dino Legaspi, dad to Rowan, 5


"If there's one thing I'd like to teach my kids about EDSA 1986, it's that while it's a historic event that brought on change for the betterment of the country -- and yes, it did, even by just the measure of lifting the dictatorship --, change should start from within. They should not be afraid to embrace and adapt to change. And that they could bring the country to greater heights not because of EDSA but by learning from the mistakes of EDSA." --Allan Ramos, graphic artist  and dad of four