Cory's legacy is a challenge to us

MANILA, Philippines - Whatever be our circumstances, most of us desire to leave something of ourselves — some legacy, some remembrance however humble, of our time on earth.

President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino — “Tita Cory” to most of the 92 million Filipinos — has left us a precious inheritance — a legacy of freedom that we have come to share with oppressed peoples all over the world.

The peaceful “People Power” Revolution that Cory Aquino inspired in February 1986 has become the distinctive Filipino contribution to the saga of humankind’s struggle for the fundamental right to be free and to be empowered to live our lives to their fullest potential.

In the last two decades, we have seen People Power Revolution modeled on the Philippine version break out in East Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Africa — and, more recently, in Myanmar and Iran.

Cory inspired everyday Filipinos

While Ninoy Aquino lived, Cory — as the unassuming but caring housewife — was the perfect stabilizer that tempered his dynamic personality.

But, after Ninoy’s assassination, she stepped resolutely into his role as political leader of the democratic opposition to the authoritarian regime.

It was in her name that everyday Filipinos bonded and mobilized their families and their neighbors to confront the tanks, guns and barbed wire of the dictator’s cohorts. And, in God’s infinite wisdom, the militancy of common people burst forth at EDSA in the non-violent revolution of February 1986.

Cory and the spirit of EDSA

The exemplary life of Cory and the Spirit of EDSA compel us all to internalize — to make part of our personal character — the spirit of patriotism, of self-sacrifice, and of unity ennobled not only at EDSA in 1986, but in Bataan in 1942, and in Pugad Lawin in 1896.

We must incorporate the spirit of EDSA into our tradition of courage, of community, and of freedom that Cory won for us. And, every day, we must find ways to reinforce those virtues within each Filipino.

But, EDSA was just one episode in our arduous journey toward becoming a truly admired people and a proud nation. EDSA was just one battle in the generational struggle we must continue to wage for our people’s liberation from poverty, inequity and injustice. In these travails, our victory is not pre-ordained, and therefore must be won through willing sacrifice, faithfulness to duty, and concerted action for our people’s well-being.

A collective act of selfless courage

EDSA was a shining moment in Philippine history — a people’s collective act of quiet courage, of powerful resolve — a selfless offering of life and fortune on the altar of a civic ideal that we do not see too often in these days of selfish materialism and political opportunism.

Turning our backs on EDSA — and seeking to blame it for our country’s ills — as some still do today — would be tantamount to debasing also the Spirit of 1896 that was ignited by the intellect of Rizal; the audacity of Bonifacio; and the resoluteness of Aguinaldo.

Ignoring the lessons of EDSA and Cory’s example would likewise insult the spirit of 1942 — exemplified by the sacrifices of our veterans who fought at Bataan and Corregidor, and in hundreds of remote battlefields throughout Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao where guerrillas resisted the enemy invaders.

Woman with a core of steel

We the soldiers and policemen of that time were reinforced by Cory’s steel core of values. As the embodiment of the heroic character of freedom-loving Filipinos, she merited our loyalty and support.

In crisis after crisis during her Presidency, she exemplified for us again and again unwavering firmness in the democratic exercise of power as servant-leader. As Commander-in-Chief, Cory provided policy guidance, but trusted the Defense Department and Armed Forces to carry out the security missions to overcome 9 coup attempts — which were all frustrated. These mutinies were all death-dealing situations that threatened national stability.

Regaining respect and dignity in the global community

Her inner reserves of faith kept her going through every hardship. Her spiritual strength arose out of her deep and abiding reliance on the Good Lord’s unfailing grace and boundless mercy.

In the tumult of the post-revolutionary period, she presided with surprising even-handedness over the unavoidable tensions and rivalries among those on different sides of the political spectrum. More importantly, Cory provided the momentum for the Philippines to regain a position of respect, dignity and even admiration in the community of nations.

Our finest tribute to Cory

Until the very end, she continued to speak out for each individual’s transformation (pagbabago) and, on the part of those elected to lead us, for their selfless stewardship in governance.

The finest tribute we can offer to Cory’s memory is for us to continue reaching out for the vision of a brighter future for Filipinos tht she and Ninoy aspired for. Irrevocably, their names will always be intimately intertwined with our EDSA People Power Revolution which enabled our people to breath the fresh air of liberty and democracy once more.

Our collective responsibility

The challenge for each of us is to go about our daily tasks by doing our best at whatever we do, and living with each other in peace, harmony and empathy. For Filipinos today, the greater duty is to face everyday challenges as good citizens of our beloved Philippines. To the limit of our abilities, let us strive always to see justice done, the rule of law upheld, civic responsibility performed, and teamwork enhanced. These are the internal Filipino wars we still have to win. These are people’s hopes that Cory sought to fulfill during her lifetime of service and sacrifice.

From up above, Cory still implores Filipinos: Kaya Natin Ito!!!