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The auspicious occasion was the anniversary of the peaceful movement of the Filipino people, also known as People Power Revolution, which unseated dictator Ferdinand Marcos and paved the way for a democratic Philippines in 1986.

Attended by the diplomatic corps, members of the development community, members of the business sector, the academe, members of the media, the church, and national politicos, the conference served as an opportunity for actors and institutions in the forefront and behind the scenes of People Power to come together.

Moderated by Ms. Lynda Jumilla of ABS-CBN News, the event featured speeches from eminent personalities, such as former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., Member of the German Parliament Mr. Carsten Körber, Journalist Ms. Melinda Quintos de Jesus, and two of the famous nuns who arrived first at Camp Aguinaldo, Sister Maribel Carceller and Sister Digna Dacanay.

After the welcome remarks given by KAS country representative Mr. Benedikt Seemann, Cabinet Secretary Almendras conveyed a keynote message from President Benigno Aquino III, stressing the importance of People Power for the Philippines’ past, present, and future. He reiterated that it would be vital to learn from past mistakes and to never repeat them in the future.

The address was then followed by a speech by Mr. Körber who assessed the similarities in the peaceful protests in the former German Democratic Republic and People Power. According to Mr. Körber, both revolutions showed how movements can be successful, solely driven by strong will and unity, instead of the use of weapons.

Subsequently, a town hall discussion with former President Fidel V. Ramos, Mr. Seemann, and Mr. Körber was initiated. The audience and the participants had an animated discussion about perceptions and experiences on People Power and the German revolution and what to take into account for the Philippines’ future.

In the afternoon, Ms. Melinda Quintos de Jesus, oppositional journalist during the Marcos regime and Executive Director of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, emphasized the role of the media during People Power, both as a catalyst and mobilizer for civil society to support the rising oppositional military forces.

Afterwards, former Senate President “Nene” Pimentel described the personality and leadership of Marcos’s presidential successor, Corazon C. Aquino. Furthermore, he expressed his recommendations for future Philippine leaders.

The last speeches were given by the nuns Sister Maribel Carceller and Sister Digna Dacanay. In an emotional oration, the sisters shared their experiences as young supporters of the opposition during the revolution and inspired the young audience to find strength and courage in fighting injustice.