EDSA Revolution: Significance and Impact on Philippine Democracy

Since I was a kid, I always hear stories about the great EDSA revolution that happened years back in the Philippines. It's unavoidable to know about this because we, Filipinos, always commemorate this event every 25th of February. This is the importance of EDSA revolution essay in which this even will be discussed. In connection to this is probably one of the most unforgettable event in Philippine politics, the Martial Law by the late president Ferdinand Marcos.

To start EDSA revolution essay: 'Media is a tool of communication which comes from different sources such as tabloid, magazines, television, cellphones, etc.' It is where we get information regarding the current issues in the society. Talking about history, in the Philippines in particular, there are many instances wherein media is used in the preservation of democracy. Take it into consideration the EDSA Revolution happened February 22-25, 1986. Media played a great role that time in bringing the people together. It was a revolution towards the rule of President Marcos. Hundreds of people participated in that significant event. Media was the primary source of information of the people who were not able to participate during the revolution. This brought 'the whole nation unto the fall of the dictatorship'. It was the day where freedom was felt and embraced with. That event shows how powerful media is and that it proves that it is one of the tools that preserves the democracy of the nation.'

I can say that media played a great role during those times because it was the media that brought every news and event happening in the political world to the people of the Philippines. Although it was a bit complicated that time because Ferdinand Marcos imposed an authoritarian way of ruling. This means that he was in control of everything and that includes media. Media ownership was only limited to those who were close to the regime, controls over what media can do were established, there were monopolistic ownership over telecommunications companies, and whoever goes against Marcos' rules over information dissemination would be oppressed and automatically be locked and incarcerated in military prison camps. Hence, that time in Philippine history is referred to as the Era of Guided Media.

However, that time was also referred to as the Rise of the Alternative Press or the Mosquito Press. These were small groups of journalists that were really against the unfair ruling of the president. They continued printing papers containing criticisms on the current government of that time. The papers and the broadcast that they made those times were small scaled but it had a great impact on the society. It opened the eyes of many Filipinos regarding on how they should fight for their freedom and to break free from the unjust ruling system of the country.

The EDSA Revolution happened thanks to the persistent broadcasting and printing of eye awakening news. People that time were convinced that the dictatorship should stop and that they should be one in going against the goverment. Also, it was the radio broadcast that became the primary source of information for those who were not able to participate. Media was one of the greatest factors that brought every Filipino into one agaisnt the dictatorship. With the use of media, Filipinos fought for democracy.

Now, I realize how powerful media can be. It can be used by advantageous people like corrupt, and unjust leaders. They can manipulate it because of their power. They manipulate it because media can reach, connect, and inform millions of viewers, listeners, and readers in just a short period of time. If the government successfully rules over media, it can help them fool the nation into believing that they are doing things that a government should do. This type of system can also make the people ignorant and deprived of their rights such as freedom of speech and right to get information regarding the true status of the nation. In short, media can be used as a catalyst of great deception.

On the other hand, media can also be powerful in a positive way. I learned that media can be dangerous but it can also be a weapon against oppressors if used correctly and efficiently. A great example of this is what happened during the Martial Law period and the EDSA revolution.

To conclude Filipino people power revolution essay, now that I realize these things, I will be more careful in using media. I must be critically thinking before getting, believing, and spreading information through media because it can affect a lot of people. Media is a tool for communication, and as a responsible citizen, and student, I will do my best to use media in a positive way. I will not stop learning on how to be a more media, information, and technology literate individual. I will always consider the effects and consequences of every action I do involving media especially social media. I will also do my best in spreading awareness through media and helping other people be more literate in things like these. I'll always think before talking, believing, writing, and posting things especially on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.