UP Ibalon Bicol

Requiescat In Pace

After more than a year of fighting advanced colonic malignancy, Pres. Corazon C. Aquino, 76 died in peace in Manila early Saturday, August 2, 2009. The passing of the widow of martyred political leader Ninoy Aquino brought loss and sadness to the Filipino nation. In her life, she exemplified calm, grace, and strong conviction.

Prayers were being said when the former president had her last breath. In her hospital bed at the Makati Medical Medical Center, she was surrounded by her five children and friends.

A proponent of non-violence and peaceful change, Cory, a devout Catholic, was the inspiration which led the country to oust strongman Ferdinand E. Marcos in a popular People Power uprising in 1986, leading to her assumption of presidency.

During her term, her administration was rocked by 7 attempts of coup d’ etat as she tried to rid the country of the remnants of the Marcos dictatorship. Restoring democracy, she embarked on the implementation of land reform, but was accused of protecting the interest of rich land-owners. At the same time she offered to make peace with the communists while she tried to find solution to the separatist movement of Mindanao. After her presidency, she continued to work for social and political causes.

Cory, the feisty US-educated lady who wore her usual signature yellow dress, demonstrated a life of understated simplicity, working for the country’s unity till the end of her life.

In her illness, friends and foes, rich and poor alike offered prayers for her recovery, including expressions of consolation from Pope Benedict XVI. (Photo Credit: walla2chick) =0=

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