Why Catholic schools are canceling classes on EDSA Anniversary

Some Catholic schools are canceling classes on February 25, 2025 to commemorate the 39th EDSA People Power anniversary despite a Palace order declaring the date as a special working day.

Sister Mary John Mananzan, activist and directress of St. Scholastica’s Academy in San Fernando, Pampanga, said majority of Catholic schools are heeding the call for class suspensions to “keep the EDSA spirit alive.”

Some Catholic schools suspend classes on Feb. 25 for EDSA People Power anniversary

“Nakikita namin na ‘yung Presidente gustong bawiin ‘yung memory of EDSA dahil ‘yang EDSA ang nagpatalsik ng kanyang ama. Kaya pinapalit-palitan 'yung date. Gusto namin na February 25 maukit sa memory natin kasi pinatalsik natin ang diktador,” she said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.

“Dapat i-respeto ‘yun, hindi palitan ang date. Dapat gawin nating free day ,” she added.

February 25, 1986 saw the culmination of the bloodless revolt in the country against the dictatorial rule of Ferdinand Marcos, Sr., father and namesake of the incumbent president.

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TIMELINE: EDSA People Power Revolution

Rights activists and other groups and institutions typically hold rallies every February 25 in the succeeding years to commemorate the restoration of democracy.