“Ako’y nagpapasalamat sa Panginoong Diyos na ginawa Niya akong isang Pilipino…”
- Cory Aquino, September 2008
I first learned about President Corazon “Cory” Aquino when I began studying the Philippine history. It was my subject on Sibika at Kultura when I read about the first female Philippine President on books and saw her picture on postcards which my mother bought at National Bookstore for school projects.
On August 1, 2009, the Philippines mourned. The people bade goodbye to the former president as she battled her last breath to colon cancer. People saw it coming – her final days – but the strength she showed combating that illness for more than a year was nothing compared to the years she spent fighting for the Filipinos as a leader and tending to her family as a mother and father.
During Martial Law, Cory Aquino’s husband and prominent political icon Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino was gunned down at the then Manila International Airport on August 21, 1983 upon arriving from the United States. Ninoy was a major opponent of the Marcos’ administration. His determination and goal for the country to fight against inhumane acts and abuse of power during the Martial Law led the nation to leave their homes and raise their voices on the streets to finally end their silence and seek for change. It was the start of the People Power Revolution.
Today would not be possible without Cory Aquino’s courage and leadership. Taking over the presidency in 1986, she led the restoration of democracy in the Philippines that inspired other nations to do the same. The unimaginable multitude of people in thirst for freedom only had faith at that time. Courage was probably questionable. Survival for one’s self may not be an option. How could anyone survive during Martial Law when guns and tanks were ready to fire and take down lives at any moment?
Although history shares her term may not be the most successful in economic success and political stability due to coup attempts, Cory Aquino’s fostering display of courage and faith to the Filipino people was enough to change the people at that time. Her courage as a woman is unfaltering, considering she had the responsibility to lead and take over the nation, and at the same time fulfill her duties as a mother to her five children.
Until her last day on earth, Cory Aquino was proud to be a Filipino. She was praying for us. And she was hoping that the country will unite once again for peace. Now, she found her own peace with our Creator – and with her husband who has waited for her long enough.