The People Power Revolution was a celebrated event,  a bloodless uprising that toppled a dictator of 20 years. It showed nationalism and love of country at its finest.

Sadly, though, it is also a historic event that has been getting ignored of late. While the whirring of helicopters still remind those like me who lived through those days, to the young ones, it is just one part of history that they have to study and memorize. Just like any other historical event, it has lost its relevance to this generation.

It’s not easy to teach history these days

It is not always easy to teach history and current events, especially in these days of fake news and desensitized news writing.

So how do we solve this problem? With selected books, of course!

Below is a list of books that we have used throughout the years as we remember those four eventful days that put our beloved Philippines on the map.

1. Filway’s Philippine Almanac

For elementary and high school students. Available at Filway Marketing.

A reference book that offers snippets of daily list of historical events, as well as featured stories and information that give a deeper understanding of Philippine culture and history

2. Edsa by Russell Molina

For preschoolers. Available here.

A counting book in Filipino featuring the scenes during the four days of the revolution. Perfect to introduce this event in our country’s history to young children.

3. At the School Gate by Sandra Nicole Roldan

For elementary to high school students. Available here.

This beautifully written book shows how Martial Law affected children. Based on the author’s experiences, it doesn’t get more real than this. Available here.

4. Isang Harding Papel by Augie Rivera

For elementary students. Available here.

Augie Rivera powerfully shows what Martial Law was like for a child and her incarcerated mother, and the joy they felt when she was finally released after the People Power Revolution. Available here.

5. Modern Heroes for the Filipino Youth featuring Ninoy Aquino, Edjop, and Macliing Dulag by Bookmark

For elementary students.

 

Biographies are powerful because they show the children that history is created by real people who had families, people who hoped of a better world.

The Modern Heroes series includes these three Filipinos who fought against a powerful dictator. And while they may not have enjoyed the fruits of their battle, we are reminded of how their bravery is the reason for the freedom that we enjoy today.

• Edjop: A Child of the Storm available here.
• Ninoy Aquino: A Courageous Homecoming available here.
• The Pangat, the Mountains, and the River available here.
• Lakay Billy: Defender of Indigenous People available here.

6. Si Jhun-Jhun, Noong Bago Ideklara ang Batas Militar

For elementary students. Available here.

A young brother learns about the realities of life when his brother goes missing around the time of Martial Law.

People Power

As parents, we have the responsibility to open our children’s eyes to the realities of the world. It is our turn inspire our children to guard our country’s democracy and freedom. Let’s tell them stories of what happened in the past, so that they will have a better future.

Let the observance of the People Power Revolution be not just a holiday, but a day where we remember the past and instill a love of country in the next generation of heroes.