The Legacy of People Power: Mayor Sebastian Duterte's Call for Vigilance on the 39th Anniversary

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In a poignant statement marking the 39th anniversary of the historic People Power Revolution, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte has called upon Filipinos to remain vigilant against threats to democracy and to honor the legacy of those who fought to restore freedom to the Philippines.

Remembering the Revolution

The People Power Revolution of February 1986 stands as a watershed moment in Philippine history. For four days, from February 22 to 25, millions of Filipinos gathered along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Manila to peacefully protest against the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. This nonviolent uprising led to the fall of the Marcos regime after 21 years in power and the restoration of democratic rule.

In his statement, Mayor Duterte emphasized the significance of this historic event: "Today, we join the entire country in commemorating the 39th anniversary of the People Power Revolution, a historic moment when Filipinos stood together in unity to reclaim democracy."

The Dark Legacy of Martial Law

The mayor's statement directly addressed the painful period of Martial Law declared by Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in 1972, which lasted for nearly a decade but whose effects lingered until his overthrow. During this period, historical records document thousands of human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances.

"Martial Law, declared by Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in 1972, left a dark legacy, countless lives were lost, freedoms were stripped away, and power was concentrated in the hands of a few," Mayor Duterte stated, acknowledging the suffering experienced during this period of authoritarian rule.

Contemporary Relevance

What makes Mayor Duterte's statement particularly notable is his warning about present dangers to Philippine democracy: "As we remember those who suffered and fought for our liberties, we must remain vigilant, especially now, when the threat of authoritarian rule once again looms over our nation."

This statement comes at a time of political polarization in the Philippines. Political analysts have noted growing concerns about democratic backsliding across Southeast Asia, including in the Philippines, with debates over press freedom, human rights, and the concentration of political power featuring prominently in national discourse.

The Duterte Family and Political Dynamics

Sebastian Duterte's statement carries particular weight given his family's political prominence. As the son of former President Rodrigo Duterte and brother to Vice President Sara Duterte, his perspectives on democracy and authoritarianism reflect the complex political landscape of the Philippines.

The Duterte family has had a complicated relationship with the Marcos family. While former President Rodrigo Duterte allowed the burial of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes' Cemetery) in 2016—a controversial decision that sparked protests—Mayor Sebastian's statement appears to take a firm stance against authoritarian governance.

A Call for Unity and Historical Truth

Mayor Duterte emphasized that the People Power Revolution represents more than just a political transition: "People Power was more than just a revolution, it was a testament to the collective strength of the Filipino people in demanding truth, justice, and accountability."

He also stressed the importance of historical accuracy and protecting democratic institutions: "Let us honor its legacy by ensuring that history is never distorted, our rights are never trampled upon, and our democracy remains intact for future generations."

This call for historical truth comes amid ongoing debates about historical revisionism in the Philippines, particularly regarding the Martial Law period. Educators and historians have expressed concern about attempts to downplay the human rights abuses that occurred during the Marcos regime.

The Way Forward

As the Philippines marks this significant anniversary, Mayor Duterte's closing words serve as both a reminder of past suffering and a call to action for the future: "May the darkest times in our history never happen again."

This sentiment echoes across Philippine society as the nation continues to navigate the challenges of strengthening democratic institutions, promoting human rights, and fostering national unity in a politically divided environment.

The 39th anniversary of the People Power Revolution serves as a moment for reflection on how far the Philippines has come since 1986, and the ongoing work needed to protect and strengthen its democratic foundations for generations to come.

Celebrating Filipino Literature: SM Book Nook Reading Festival Ignites Passion for Storytelling

 

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In a vibrant celebration of Filipino literature and creativity, the SM Book Nook Reading Festival welcomed 500 enthusiastic book lovers to SM Aura on January 31, 2025. The festival transformed the Book Nook into a dynamic hub of literary engagement, bringing together renowned authors, emerging writers, publishers, and readers of all ages for a day filled with inspiration, connection, and shared passion for storytelling.

A Convergence of Literary Giants and Rising Stars

The festival was graced by distinguished literary luminaries including National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario (Rio Alma), whose presence added gravitas to the event. Other notable personalities such as Dean Tony Laviña, Hans Pieter Arao, and Jayson Fajardo engaged with attendees, offering insights into their creative processes and literary journeys.

Beyond established authors, the festival created space for emerging voices in Philippine literature. Independent authors like Therese Villarante-Langit connected with readers, showcasing the vibrant diversity of contemporary Filipino storytelling.

These meaningful interactions between authors and readers highlighted the festival's role in bridging generations and perspectives through literature, creating memorable moments for attendees who seized the opportunity to have their books signed and engage in thoughtful conversations with their literary heroes.

Interactive Storytelling: Fostering Collective Creativity

One of the festival's most innovative features was the "Pass the Plot" board, which invited participants to collaboratively build a story, sentence by sentence. This interactive element transformed storytelling from a solitary endeavor into a community experience, demonstrating how narratives can evolve through collective imagination.

Throughout the venue, various activities catered to different interests and age groups. Participants engaged in lively quiz games testing their literary knowledge, while historical fiction readings transported attendees to different eras of Philippine history. The festival's inclusive approach ensured that everyone from seasoned book club members to young readers found something to capture their interest.

A Celebration of Filipino Literary Culture

The festival buzzed with creative energy as spoken word poetry performances by teens and young adults added contemporary artistic expression to the mix. A special session on zines conducted by BBZ introduced attendees to the world of independent publishing, highlighting alternative avenues for creative expression.

Publishers including Bookshelf PH (co-organizer of the event), Grana Books, and Aklat Alamid showcased their latest publications, offering festival-goers a glimpse into the current landscape of Philippine publishing. For aspiring authors, a valuable session on copyright law provided essential information about protecting their creative work.

Cultivating a Culture of Reading and Knowledge-Sharing

In a symbolic gesture embodying the festival's spirit, publishers and authors came together to donate books to the SM Book Nook. This meaningful act, witnessed by SM Book Nook pioneer Shereen Sy, underscored the collective commitment to promoting literacy and making literature accessible to more Filipinos.

The presence of SM Cares Assistant Vice President Richard A. Caluyo, festival co-organizer and BookShelfPH co-founder Monette Quiogue, and SM Aura Regional Operations Head Stephanie Co highlighted the institutional support behind initiatives that promote reading and literary engagement.

More Than Just a Book Event

The SM Book Nook Reading Festival transcended the conventional book fair format by creating an immersive experience that celebrated every aspect of literary culture. From the captivating reading by author Bambi Rodriguez that enthralled the audience to the energetic discussions that flowed throughout the venue, the festival exemplified how literature continues to unite and inspire Filipinos.

As participants departed with signed books, new connections, and fresh inspiration, the festival left an indelible mark on the Philippine literary community, reinforcing SM Book Nook's role as a vital space for nurturing Filipino storytelling and creativity.

For those interested in participating in future literary events and community programs, more information is available at the SM Supermalls website: https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares/

This article celebrates the SM Book Nook Reading Festival held on January 31, 2025, at SM Aura, which brought together 500 book enthusiasts to celebrate Filipino literature through author meet-and-greets, interactive storytelling, workshops, and performances.

ARISE Philippines Launches Vision for a Resilient 2030 at First Annual General Meeting of 2025

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ARISE Philippines, a leading resilience network in the country, marked an important milestone with its first Annual General Meeting of 2025, setting ambitious goals for disaster resilience across the nation. The gathering, held on January 27 at the ARISE Secretariat headquarters in MOA Square, Mall of Asia Complex, brought together representatives from the network's 156 member organizations, spanning private sector companies, civil society groups, NGOs, and academic institutions.

Uniting Under a Vision of Resilience

Under the theme "Catalyzing Progress for a Resilient and Sustainable Future towards ARISE 2030," the meeting established a clear path forward for the organization. The mantra of "Innovate, Integrate, and Elevate" resonated throughout the proceedings, challenging members to embrace creative approaches, foster cross-sector collaboration, and raise the standards for disaster resilience nationwide.

Engr. Liza Silerio, Co-Chair representing the private sector, opened the meeting with a warm welcome, expressing gratitude for the network's contributions to community resilience and sustainable development. Her counterpart from the public sector, Office of Civil Defense Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, emphasized the critical importance of engineering solutions in disaster preparedness, highlighting how committed private sector leadership has become essential to building a more resilient Philippines.

International Recognition for Philippine Leadership

The meeting featured a video message from Marco Toscano-Rivalta, Chief of Office at the UNDRR Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, who praised ARISE Philippines for its exemplary contributions to disaster risk reduction efforts.

"I extend my profound gratitude for ARISE Philippines' exemplary leadership and contributions," Toscano-Rivalta stated. He specifically acknowledged the network's instrumental role in the success of the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction held in Manila in October 2024, noting that "ARISE has showcased the power of public-private partnerships and set the benchmark for other regions to follow."

Vice Admiral (VADM) Alexander Pama (ret.), an ARISE Global Board Member, attended the meeting to reinforce connections between the local network and the international alliance, ensuring continued support and alignment with global disaster resilience strategies.

New Resources and Programs for 2025

A significant highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of seven ARISE Philippines Materials and Knowledge products by the organization's Board of Directors. These resources are specifically designed to equip members with practical tools and knowledge to implement effective resilience-building initiatives within their own organizations and communities.

The leadership team also announced seven new programs scheduled to launch throughout 2025, calling for active participation from the membership. During the meeting, representatives from member companies publicly pledged their commitment to these initiatives, demonstrating the strong collaborative spirit that defines the network.

Private Sector Leadership

In his powerful closing remarks, Mr. Hans Sy, ARISE Philippines Chairperson for the Private Sector, delivered an inspiring call to action. He emphasized that meaningful progress in disaster resilience can only be achieved through unity, collaboration, and decisive action across all sectors of society.

Sy urged the assembled members and observers to work together to "co-create bridges for resilience," with the ultimate goal of building a stronger and more resilient Philippines for future generations.

About ARISE Philippines

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE) Philippines operates with SM Prime Holdings serving as its secretariat office. The network is dedicated to advocating for a culture of business resilience against both natural and man-made hazards.

With its growing membership now exceeding 150 organizations, ARISE Philippines continues to expand its impact on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts throughout the country.

For those interested in learning more about ARISE Philippines or joining the network, information is available at www.arise.ph, or inquiries can be directed to secretariat@arise.ph.

As the Philippines continues to face climate-related challenges and natural disasters, the collaboration between public and private sectors represented by ARISE Philippines stands as a crucial foundation for the country's resilience strategy. The ambitious vision set forth at this first meeting of 2025 signals a new chapter in the nation's approach to disaster risk reduction—one built on innovation, integration, and elevated standards for protecting communities and businesses alike.