Message of President Benigno S. Aquino III

My warmest greetings to all the Filipinos around the world, as we commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the People Power Revolution.

We Filipinos continue to demonstrate the same ideals of unity and patriotism that freed us from oppression 25 years ago. These values embody our determination to tackle the challenges of today. Thus, this celebration is not only a day to remember, but also a day to affirm our duty to our fellow Filipinos and to our country. I am grateful for our countrymen abroad who have been keenly following the course of our country's progress and have remained proud of our multifaceted heritage, which defines our identity as one people. Now that we are in a period of transformation, let us keep alive the spirit of People Power and democracy, as we work together and fulfill our aspiration of a peaceful and progressive Philippines.

We are moving forward in this era of daylight and hope, and it is incumbent upon each of us to take on the responsibility of realizing our dreams for our beloved country on the straight and righteous path to change.

Message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo

The shining example of the Philippines' EDSA People Power Revolution inspires all nations yearning for freedom everywhere.

As Time Magazine said in its 1987 edition naming the late former President Cory Aquino Woman of the Year:

"By reviving the promise of democracy without bloodshed, all too rare in the past, the Philippine revolution also held up a candle of hope in some of the world's darker corners."

Indeed, the wave of democracy generated by the Filipino People Power Revolution was felt through the years in South Africa, Latin America and the Eastern Europe.  Even the democratic gains made in the Middle East the past few weeks are so reminiscent of EDSA despite the passage of a quarter century.

EDSA stands for the triumph of human spirit and love of freedom.  Its rejection of violence was critically important as it saved the nation from bloodshed that might have unleashed cycles of conflict which have been the bane of revolutions elsewhere.

To date, the Filipino People have met and overcome many challenges in their determination to secure and strengthen their freedoms 25 years since EDSA.   If we have learned any lesson in the process, it is that democracy is always a work in progress.

Under the leadership of President Benigno S. Aquino III, the Department supports all Filipinos all over the world in continuing to be proud torch bearers of our People Power's democratic principles and patriotic fervor.

The EDSA People Power shall continue to inspire all Filipinos in our unending quest to broaden and consolidate the freedoms of our people as an integral part of our progress as a nation.