“I DON’T have any formula for ousting a dictator or building democracy. All I can suggest is to forget about yourself and just think of your people. It’s always the people who make things happen.”
– Corazon C. Aquino (1933-2009)
On August 1, Pres. Noynoy “PNoy” Aquino commemorated the 4th death anniversary of his mother, former Pres. Corazon “Cory” C. Aquino by visiting his parents’ grave and attending a concelebrated mass.
The beloved icon of democracy died on August 1, 2009 due to colon cancer.
In a statement, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda emphasized on the good deeds of the late president, saying: “One of the greatest things we have learned from President Corazon C. Aquino is the work that it takes to maintain and improve a working democracy. So, as we celebrate the life she lived, we remain cognizant of the challenges that persist.”
“We thank Cory Aquino once more, while at the same time realizing that the truest expression of gratitude would be the continuation of her work, creating in this country a democracy that is better, stronger, and even more inclusive.”
“As president, Corazon C. Aquino led with integrity and honesty. She spent her term reclaiming our national dignity, rehabilitating our country’s image in the international community and re-establishing institutions to better safeguard our democracy,” Lacierda further said.
Vice President Jejomar Binay reminded the public to “always remember her example in honest, clean and humane public service.”
In a previous interview with the Philippine Star during her 75th birthday on Jan. 25, 2008, Pres. Cory Aquino narrated that after PNoy was elected as senator in 2007, she told him: “You have a lot to be thankful for. So you have to do your best and show gratitude to the Filipino people.”
At the inauguration of “A Gift of Self” (the most extensive exhibit of Pres. Cory Aquino’s paintings and other artwork at the Manila Hotel, according to Philstar.com), PNoy shared that he still keeps a painting of his mom: a rosary surrounded by flowers.
“More than ensuring that Mom and Dad are always close by, that painting reminds me what my duties are as President and as a Filipino,” the President said.
“Our parents were extraordinary people who did extraordinary things, but the lessons they taught us were very simple: live with honor and follow your conscience.”
“And perhaps, the simplest lesson of all: have faith, both God and the people,” he added.
While the country continues to face challenges on a day to day (i.e. the ongoing territorial dispute with China, the more than P10-billion pork barrel scam; the continuing fight against corruption in some government agencies), we should remain hopeful and inspired, and remind ourselves once in a while that there is still goodness in humanity.
And while not everyone may have been swayed by the “simple housewife” in yellow, there is still value to the wisdom she imparted us during her lifetime — a legacy worth keeping.
(AJPress)
