Makasaysayang Salaysay sa Kasalukuyang Kamalayan, a poster and photo exhibition by young creatives, commemorated the 38th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, which marked the triumph of democracy during one of the darkest chapters in the country.
The initiative, organized by the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Multidisciplinary Studies (SMS) Social Science Area, aims to encapsulate the Filipinos’ collective spirit and strength.
The exhibit showcased 30 works of students from the various programs of the Benilde School of Environment and Design (SED), School of New Media Arts, School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM), and School of Management and Information Technology (SMIT).
To educate the younger generation on the importance of the momentous occasion, it portrayed key moments and chronological narratives of the peaceful uprising, from its inception to its victorious conclusion.
The works also featured portraits of the ordinary men and women who played pivotal roles in the movement. The images captured their faces of passion, determination, and hope for freedom and equity, in the name of justice against authoritarian regime.
The projects displayed images that reflected the unity among various sectors of society, including religious groups, students, and the military, who all came together for a common cause.
The illustrations also unveiled the aftermath of the revolution and its impact on the political landscape of the Philippines.
It likewise highlighted the iconic symbols and artifacts that became synonymous with the insurgence, such as yellow ribbons, rosaries, prayers, flowers, and songs.
“By combining powerful visuals, context, and interactive elements, it intended to create a profound and immersive experience for the community,” Benilde SMS Social Science Area Chairperson Dr. Rowel Roxas shared. “Historical Narratives also ensured the enduring impact and relevance of the EDSA People Power Revolution in the collective memory and consciousness as a nation.”
Benilde Social Science educator Dr. Ronaldo Pante, on the other hand, encouraged the youth to never forget and continuously spread awareness of this momentous occasion.
“The EDSA People Power Revolution is actually a reminder for us that democracy should be preserved,” he stated. “We should be vigilant, kailangan may (there should be) continuity, hindi yung first nagising ka sa katotohanan tapos natutulog ka ulit pag ganun kailangan continuous tayo kung ano man ang pinaglalaban natin in the past (there should be continuity, it should not be waking up to the truth and then forgetting it. We need to be continuous on what we were fighting for in the past).”
Benilde Social Science mentor Marie Ann Gutierrez likewise echoed the remarks of Pante. “The learners of today should fight and guard for the truth and freedom by doing something like this and integrate the current issues to the consciousness of the individuals.”
