Catholic schools across the country are being encouraged to declare February 25 as an academic holiday to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

In a joint statement, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines – Episcopal Commission on Catholic Education said the day should be dedicated to reflection, commemoration, and civic formation.

The groups stressed the importance of educating young people on democratic values, noting that students and the youth, as heirs of democratic space, must develop the knowledge, values, and resolve to challenge injustice, misinformation, and authoritarian tendencies.

Catholic schools were also encouraged to organize Masses, youth forums, and other activities that promote ethical discernment, critical thinking, and active citizenship.

Church leaders recalled how millions of Filipinos gathered along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue in 1986, combining faith and peaceful resistance to restore freedom and democracy.

They said the EDSA People Power Revolution serves as a reminder that the collective strength of the people can overcome oppression.

Forty years after the historic uprising, the groups warned that democracy remains fragile and requires vigilance, active participation, and commitment to truth to protect hard-earned freedoms.

They also cautioned against forgetting the lessons of Martial Law, tolerating corruption, and allowing historical distortion and disinformation to spread, saying these threaten the freedoms gained through peaceful struggle.

The statement further called on civil society groups, media, and public institutions to uphold human rights, press freedom, and accountable governance.

The groups described EDSA as an ongoing movement, urging all sectors to remain vigilant, actively participate in nation-building, and continue strengthening democratic principles.