It is now 20 years since the Filipino through a "People Power revolution" got united towards the common goal of freeing himself from the bondage of dictatorship and socio-political oppression.

As part of my own commemoration, I have been participating in discussions particularly on the PCIJ blog by submitting some comments.

I wish to share my insights on EDSA: 20 Years After by reposting the comments that I've  submitted.

From Edsa 20/20: Jim Paredes:

blackboard said,

February 13, 2006 @ 11:43 am

There is no such thing as taking a vacation from being a Filipino. We can deny our identity but we can never give it up. A true Filipino never will- inspite of all the miseries. Its all we got- being Filipino. Have we tried everything to effect change? I guess not. What we have regressed to is constant bickering and one-upmanship. Let us try being united with a common goal for Philippines for a change. We have attempted that at EDSA 20 years ago, we just didn’t sustain it.

From Edsa 20/20: Carmen Deunida, a.k.a. Nanay Mameng:

blackboard said,

February 13, 2006 @ 11:33 am

To me, calling the EDSA revolution as EDSA 1 or EDSA revolution is a misnomer. It was never the place, it was the people that made it as it was. It was not the politicians or the military- it was the PEOPLE. Like a movie with sequels, the other EDSAs that followed never measured to the first. The first was out of a need to topple a dictatorship and rise from political and social oppression, the next EDSAs were just a result of political shrewedness, adventurism and opportunism with the people as unwitting participants. And we wonder why EDSA has lost its mystique and potency? We have tainted its spirit. We eventually gave up or are giving up to the “system”. EDSA was about people empowerment and we empowered the wrong people. It is not late to reap the lessons of People Power (sadly after 20 years)- we as a nation can make Philippines better- TOGETHER! Without ulterior motives, without selfish desires. Enough with too much politicism that have gnawed our moral and national fiber. Not because we WANT to make this country better, but because we NEED it.

I would like to share this lecture to everyone. May we learn something from the "great old man", the founder of the University of Pangasinan, Dr. Blas F. Rayos, Sr.

… Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Morning!

At this moment, I am a little passionate for obvious reasons: 1. I am emotionally excited with the 81st Foundation Anniversary of our university in whose campus during my college years (1954-1964) my life was tended to educational pursuit and guided towards what I am today; and 2. The great man, Dr. Blas F. Rayos, Sr.- founder of this university- is not physically present anymore to tune in for inspiration in doing our obtaining tasks in the campus to enhance the university standard and improve students’ performance. May his wisdom continue to shine in the campus, in the offices, in the classrooms, and in every mind as it was in his time.

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The University of Pangasinan celebrated its 81st Foundation Anniversary last February 6-10, 2006. The theme of the said celebration was: “Revisiting the University of Pangasinan at 81: Towards Building a Community Within”. The university being the oldest private university in Region I and with its illustrious tradition of excellence, has touched a lot of lives- people who in one way or the other, have contributed to nation building especially in province of Pangasinan. It is but fitting that on the said occasion a write-up on the founder is penned.

Dr. Blas F. Rayos was born of a farmer-fisher folk in a barrio of Lingayen, Pangasinan on February 3, 1895. As a grade school pupil, he had to study his lessons on the back of his father’s carabao; which he has to take to the pasture after school hours. While he had struggle to overcome poverty, he consistently finished his courses, from the primary grades to the university, at the top of his classes.

From grade school up to university, he was a working student, He obtained three degrees from the University of the Philippines: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science in Education, and a Master of Arts in Education. He obtained his Doctor of Education degree at the University of Manila where he was the dean of the College of Education.

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