Across the Nation... President Aquino leads commemoration of his father former Sen. Ninoy Aquino’s martyrdom
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resident Benigno S. Aquino III called on the whole nation’s collective actions in pursuing the ideals of his late father, Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., as he led in the commemoration of the latter’s martyrdom that restored the peace and democracy to the nation 28 years ago. In his speech during the Opening Ceremonies of “Ninoy, My Hero” Interactive exhibit at The Atrium, SM Megamall in Pasig City on Sunday, the President issued the call as he encouraged everyone to take part in efforts to respond to the challenges of maintaining the democracy and fight against corruption. “Ngayon po, … 28 years after he (Senator Aquino) has been assassinated, tayo po na nakatatamasa ng maski papaano ng biyaya mula sa kanyang pagsasakripisyo, pagbabalik po ng ating kalayaan… pag-asa at karapatan na mangarap na muli ay baka mapagtagumpayan na po natin… matapos na natin iyong kanilang mga sinimulan,” President Aquino said. “May kakayahan tayong baguhin ang ating tadhana… ginagawa na po natin iyan, mapapamadali natin iyan kung sama-sama nating tapusin ang kanilang mga
Monday, August 22, 2011
inaasam at pinapanaginipan para sa atin pong sambayanan,” he added. The Chief Executive noted the importance of cooperation in traversing the righteous path towards the country’s progress and development. “Mas marami na po tayo ngayon, mas malaya na nating magagawa ang kanilang ginagawa noong araw kaya ngayon din kailangan mangako na tayo sa susunod na salinlahi…tatapusin na natin itong laban na ito,” the President said. “Kailangan naman po siguro na masabi natin na hindi sayang ang mga sakripisyo ninyo,” he added. Then opposition leader Ninoy was shot to death at the tarmac of the Manila International Airport, which was now named after him, following his return from the United States to lead the nation’s struggle for freedom. Such act of martyrdom
urged the Filipinos to launch a bloodless revolution that ousted then President Marcos catapulted his widow, Corazon C. Aquino as the 11th President of the country in February of the year 1986. The photo exhibit seeks to keep Ninoy’s ideals alive and hopes to inspire the younger generation of heroes who will likewise strive for a Philippines filled with dignity and promise. The exhibit features some of the most memorable photographs as well as illustrations of Ninoy highlighting the diverse aspects of his meaningful life. It will also illustrate a vibrant portrait of Filipino heroism; the sacrifices heroism entails and explains its importance to date in the nation’s history. Also present during the event include House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Senator Serge Osmena and cabi4
ONE MINDANAO
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