Arroyo inaugurates Ninoy-Diokno Memorial

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City — President Arroyo inaugurated here yesterday the Aquino-Diokno Memorial commemorating the sacrifice and strength of spirit of the late Senators Benig—no "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. and Jose "Pepe" Diokno.

After attending the Eucharistic celebration at the EDSA Shrine on the 17th anniversary of EDSA People Power 1, the President flew here to witness the launching of the memorial.

Along with former President Corazon Aquino and Carmen Diokno, the widows of the two senators, and other members of the Aquino, Cojuangco and Diokno clans, the President unveiled the marker at the former detention facility.

The cells were the former Army intelligence headquarters of the First Military Security Detachment.

The President then viewed a 20-minute video presentation on the history of the two senators’ incarceration. Afterwards, she toured the detention facility with the families of the two senators.

In a short program, the President witnessed the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the Department of National Defense and Department of Tourism, making Fort Magsaysay a tourist destination in Central Luzon.

The area would also offer adventure trips for tourists who want to experience mountain-trekking, rappelling and water sports.

Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon and Defense Undersecretary Edgardo Batenga signed the MOA.