Students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) are calling on the university administration to suspend classes on Tuesday, February 25, in observance of the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

The PUP Sentral na Konseho ng Mag-aaral, the prime representative of the student body at the PUP Main Campus, released a statement on Sunday evening urging the administration to “ignite the spirit of our university to mobilize Iskolars ng Bayan, teachers, and the administration” in commemorating the historic event that ended the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

“In 1986, the education sector—students, teachers, and university administrators—played a crucial role in the fight to overthrow the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.,” the group said.

“The upcoming #EDSA39 Commemoration offers us the chance to honor that legacy by coming together as a community and standing up for what truly matters, especially in light of the worsening conditions in our society,” it added.

According to the council, the PUP Office of the Student Regent (OSR) submitted a petition on February 21 requesting the suspension of classes on February 25. The petition was signed by hundreds of student councils, organizations, and other student formations.

However, the PUP administration, through the OSR, announced that classes would not be suspended on that day.

The student body expressed disappointment, pointing out that other universities and colleges have already suspended classes for the occasion.

They called on the PUP administration to reconsider, emphasizing that the university should be “a space for critical learning.”

The PUP Sentral na Konseho ng Mag-aaral also highlighted the historical significance of the university in the fight against the Marcos dictatorship, recalling figures like Charlie Del Rosario, a PUP professor who became the first “desaparecido” under Martial Law, and former University President Nemesio Prudente, who signed the PUP-DND Accord to protect democratic rights after Martial Law.

“As long as the youth continue to face these challenges, history has proven that students will rise—from the university to the streets—to organize protests and walkouts, fighting for our rights and for genuine social change,” the student council stated.

The 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution comes at a time when Marcos's only son, President Bongbong Marcos Jr. is in power.

As of this writing, the PUP administration has yet to respond to the call from the student body. #