Deep Dive: Former Radio Veritas transmitter site in Malolos stands as reminder of 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution 40 years later

The article highlights the former Radio Veritas transmitter site in Dakila, Malolos, which 40 years ago was pivotal in the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution, a non-violent uprising that ousted Ferdinand Marcos and restored democracy in the Philippines. This site embodies the power of citizen mobilization through independent media, as Radio Veritas broadcasted calls for peaceful protest amid military defections and mass gatherings along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Manila. The revolution's success relied on ordinary Filipinos uniting against authoritarianism, marking a landmark in global history of people-powered change without bloodshed. From a geopolitical lens, the Edsa Revolution shifted the Philippines from martial law under Marcos to democratic governance under Corazon Aquino, influencing regional dynamics in Southeast Asia where authoritarian regimes watched warily. Key actors included the Catholic Church, which operated Radio Veritas, military leaders like Fidel Ramos and Juan Ponce Enrile who defected, and millions of citizens whose participation prevented violence. The site's current state of neglect underscores ongoing challenges in preserving historical landmarks amid urban development pressures in Bulacan province. Cross-border implications extend to democratic movements worldwide, inspiring events like the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia and color revolutions in post-Soviet states, while reminding global audiences of media's role in amplifying dissent. In the Philippines, it affects national identity and tourism, but neglect raises questions about government priorities in heritage conservation. Stakeholders include local historians, preservationists, and the public, whose disinterest or resource constraints contribute to the site's decay. The outlook suggests potential for restoration if civil society reignites interest, paralleling the citizen action it commemorates. Culturally, in a nation where Catholicism and community solidarity are core, the site symbolizes resilience against tyranny, yet its weathering reflects broader societal shifts toward modernization over memory. This nuance reveals why such reminders matter: they educate younger generations disconnected from 1986, fostering vigilance against democratic backsliding seen in contemporary Philippine politics.