Grateful for President Cory Aquino
The following was written days before the funeral…..
I was in sixth grade when the first EDSA Revolution took place. It was not my interest to watch or read the news back in those days. But I remember our class adviser mentioning about the “trouble” happening in Manila. She didn’t elaborate, though and so that left me wondering…..Zamboanga City was miles away from Manila.
Before EDSA Revolution I were two events which I thought that time were significant because my parents and relatives were talking about them–the assassination of Sen. Benigno Aquino and the presidential election. For me, it was an adult stuff and therefore was not bothered at all. I learned though that the late senator was a critic of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos and his death could have possibly caused by his blunt comments about the Marcos’ administration. He was brilliant, they said. The memory of the presidential campaign during that period was marked by a LABAN sign and shouts of Cory-Doy!. I heard them saying that Cory was the widow of the slain senator. She didn’t win in the electoral race due to massive cheating, that’s what the adults were discussing. However, people from all walks of life including the religious and the military joined hands asking President Marcos to step down. They succeeded. Cory became the president.
I have admired President Cory Aquino ever since I came to know her as the first woman president of the Philippines. Back in my younger years, I have regarded her as “superwoman” because of the positive things the country has experienced due to her brave decision to respond to the call of time to lead our country. She was not exempted from criticisms but never did I hear comments that she’s a corrupt leader. She endured coup attempts and stood by those fighting for the protection of our democracy.
Wide-rimmed glasses and yellow dress have become her symbols. She’s prayerful and would often seek spiritual guidance from a religious. Whenever I watch a glimpse of her on T.V., she was always composed. From the stories I heard, she’s wealthy but there was not trace of arrogance in her. I saw in her a gentle and loving mother; a humble and sincere servant of this nation; a woman of character.
I am a martial law baby and am honored to have witnessed a woman who took care of the one and only country I’ve got like her own family. On Wednesday, the whole nation shall pay its last respect to the woman who made quite a history. The woman from whom I learned DEMOCRACY in the truest sense of the word. The mother who gave me FREEDOM.
I will not be earning my income on Wednesday but what is that compared to all that President Cory has done? That’s the least I can offer to say THANK YOU MADAM PRESIDENT FOR BRINGING MY GENERATION OUT OF THE DARK.
