BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. said the death of Ninoy Aquino, in August 21 three decades ago, earned the respect of the world for Filipinos.
"Thirty years ago, the world witnessed the fall of a great Filipino leader, who offered his life for the restoration of our democratic institutions. That incident at the tarmac of the then Manila International Airport transformed us as a nation. The international community suddenly looked at us differently: with highest respects," Marañon said in a press statement yesterday.
The late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr., who also served as governor of Tarlac, is the epitome of a selfless public servant, the governor said. "His love for country and dedication to a free Filipino nation, are, no doubt, beyond question," he said.
"Sadly though, three decades later, the same issues that Ninoy had set forth continue to hound us. Let Ninoy's heroism, therefore, be a reminder to us to remain firm in our commitments for a free nation, whose people are accorded equal opportunities, and freed from the bondage of poverty," Marañon said.
"As we revisit this sad episode in the country's history today, let us renew our resolve to do our share, in ways big or small, to continue the fight against poverty and the struggle for a better Philippines," added the governor.
Ninoy's 30th death anniversary commemoration was marked with rites at his statue at Araneta St. yesterday afternoon, spearheaded by the Liberal Party of Bacolod.
Andres Hagad, convenor of LP-Bacolod, said in a statement that the activity was held "so Filipinos, especially the younger generation, will recall and appreciate the hero that he is; a hero who, like Dr. Jose Rizal, voluntarily and consciously made the supreme sacrifice of his life for the Filipino people." (FREEMAN)