An honor and a privilege

WE could only imagine how challenging it must have been for Noynoy Aquino to grow up in the Aquino household. He was the third child of very prominent parents, and all his siblings are female—he must have tried hard to be man-ofthe-house whenever his father was not around. When Ninoy died, Noynoy heard about his father’s assassination on CNN. Nevertheless, he had to continue taking care of things that needed to be done. There was almost no room to be sentimental. There is no doubt that Ninoy’s parents raised him well; he grew up to be a practical, responsible, dependable person.

His mother, the late president of the Republic Cory Aquino, was likewise toughened by the circumstances their family was in. She needed to be strong when her husband, the late Ninoy Aquino, was imprisoned. She had to raise her children well while making sure she put up a brave front to inspire the children and the

people around her. As the leader of the country, Cory Aquino likewise inspired the whole nation to hope (and fight) for a better future after going through dark years under a dictatorship.

Both of them displayed exemplary courage and dignity as leaders of this country. And now as we remem

To keep them alive in our hearts means that we, as a nation, must value their legacy and the lessons of their leadership. To show our gratitude to presidents Cory and Noynoy means that we, as a nation, must continue to protect their legacy, as well as our freedoms and our rights. Part of our responsibility as a people is to choose leaders that will serve the country with the same sincerity that Cory and Noynoy showed.

ber Cory’s 12th death anniversary on August 1, 2021, and the 40th day after Noynoy Aquino’s death on June 24, 2021, we pay tribute to their sacrifices and leadership, and give our gratitude and respect for everything that they have done for the Filipino people. Today we offer our prayers for their souls’ eternal rest and guidance for our nation and our current leaders. May they, mother and son, attain a blessed union with God.

To keep them alive in our hearts means that we, as a nation, must value their legacy and the lessons of their leadership. To show our gratitude to presidents Cory and Noynoy means that we, as a nation, must continue to protect their legacy, as well as our freedoms and our rights. Part of our responsibility as a people is to choose leaders that will serve the country with the same sincerity that Cory and Noynoy showed.

We continue to enjoy and to cherish the democracy that President Cory helped us attain. President Noynoy undoubtedly strengthened our economy and empowered our people. He aspired to leave the country in a better state than how he found it, and he did. For both presidents, serving the Filipino people was not just their duty or responsibility. It was for them both an honor and a privilege “to have served such a fine people as [the Filipinos],” as president Noynoy said. It is, I believe, also an honor and a privilege to have had such fine leaders. The Filipino people will always be grateful.