Mandela's UP degree, words to PNoy and other Filipino connections

MANILA, Philippines - The country sympathizes with South Africa on the death of Nelson Mandela, a Nobel laureate and anti-apartheid icon.

In a statement, President Benigno Aquino III extended his deepest condolences to Mandela's family, the people of South Africa, and to all those who mourn the passing of the revered leader.

Aquino described Mandela as "a truly great man" who united the world "in respect and admiration for a life lived with strength, courage, humility, and dignity."

"His memory will serve as a durable guide to humanity as we seek to bequeath to future generations a world better than we found it," the President said.

Aquino also recalled the words he received from Mandela during the South African leader's visit in the Philippines.

"He told me then, 'You chose your parents well.' My mother admired him; like all of us, she would have been deeply saddened by his passing," Aquino said.

The former South African president visited Manila in 1997.

Malacañang said Mandela praised the restoration of democracy in the Philippines and paid tribute to former President Corazon Aquino for leading the struggle against martial law.

The University of the Philippines also conferred an honorary degree of doctor of laws to Mandela on March 2, 1997, according to the Palace and the Nelson Mandela Foundation website.

Based on the data from the same website, the House of Representatives also gave Mandela a Congressional Medal of Achievement in March 25, 2004.

Malacañang said the Philippines and South Africa established diplomatic relations in November 1993.

The Philippines opened an embassy in Pretoria, South Africa in June 1994, shortly after Mandela’s inauguration.