I would like to take this opportunity to reflect along with you on the timeless relevance of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

The EDSA (People Power) revolution was a moment of political triumph, whose outcome rippled not just through the lives of our countrymen, but throughout the world. Indeed, after EDSA, people power freed people in Eastern Europe, broke down the Berlin Wall and even marked the end of Soviet Russia. The People Power Revolution or the EDSA revolution brought together people from all walks of life and united them to win freedom… and the whole world noticed and followed its example.

From the national protests following the assassination of Ninoy Aquino to the February 7 snap election, the story behind People Power is the story of our people’s readiness to put personal interest and differences aside for the common good and in defense of freedom.

Today, many of us, especially those born after 1986, may be wondering why we are even taking time out to consider the meaning of this historic moment in our nation’s history.

For us in the Lopez group, we have captured the spirit of the People Power revolution in our Lopez Values. Our own corporate history is an inspiring story of struggle for what is right in the context of what is good for society. We have placed our lives and our businesses on the line in defense of freedom throughout the 200 year history of the Lopez family. We have continually used our resources to invest in businesses with a strong social purpose. We work each day with the objective of not just earning a profit but to enable our people to enjoy a better quality of life through our businesses.

Celebrating the anniversary of the EDSA Revolution, is not just about celebrating the gallantry and heroism of our people in fighting a dictatorship. Giving our victory meaning by doing our share in the transformational quest to create a just society for our children is the continuing task we all face.

We can honor the spirit of People Power by leading meaningful and productive lives and by our readiness to unite as one people, even if we have to put our personal interests aside, in the pursuit of freedom and the good of one Filipino nation.

This is how we honor and celebrate being truly Filipino!

All the best,
CEDIE VARGAS
@lopezsummit.com