By Ren Angelo Elevera
(Vol. XXVII No. 8, Editorial Cartoon)
(Vol. XXVII No. 8, Editorial Cartoon)
Losing a great gift
On August 1, the news of the death of the Philippines’ icon of democracy, former President Corazon “Cory” Cojuangco-Aquino, broke out, leaving the Filipino nation in a state of shock. Rich and poor alike, grieved for the woman who is considered a national treasure of the country.
President Cory, a global icon of democracy who led the ouster of one of 20th century’s most corrupt dictators, died at 76 after a 16-month battle against colon cancer. Her family announced that she died in the early hours of August 1, shortly after a private mass was held in her hospital room. President Cory, affectionately known as Tita Cory, was the Philippine president from 1986 to 1992 and is best remembered as the slim woman in yellow who led the “People Power” revolution that toppled Dictator Ferdinand Marcos more than two decades ago.
The death of Tita Cory brought back the People Power spirit which engulfed the nation years ago. From her sickbed down to her grave, the whole nation witnessed the outpouring of love from the Filipino people across the nation – rain or shine, daytime or nighttime. At the height of the nation’s mourning for the death of the icon, people wearing yellow ribbons and yellow dominated outfits tirelessly line along the streets, flashing the former president’s trademark “Laban” hand sign while repeatedly chanting the former president’s name, throwing yellow confetti, releasing yellow balloons, and freeing doves – all reminds us of the historical People Power revolution.
Moreover, though it pains to see President Cory pass away, the reaction showed by the Filipino people is heartening. In the past months or even in the past years, it seemed that the essence of democracy was set aside and was considered irrelevant and immaterial – the democracy which President Cory and her husband, Ninoy Aquino, together with the multitude of unsung heroes and heroines of EDSA I, have fought for came to the fore once again.
President Cory’s passing ended her life and her battle against her illness, but reinvigorated the spirit of People Power – it reminded both the older and the younger generations that Philippine democracy should be cherished and upheld at all times. Her sickness and death have, obviously, regenerated faith, peace and unity among Filipino people. The series of novena prayers and healing masses held all over the Philippines and in other parts of the world; the rapid spreading and posting of the images of that meaningful yellow ribbon on the web and on the prints; people tying yellow ribbons; and the gold-colored banners, flowers and balloons swarming along the streets everywhere in the Philippines is a reminder that Filipinos can always unite and work as one for a brighter and progressive nation.
These only proves what President Cory is to the Filipino people – a treasure.
President Cory’s very meaningful life and death, as well as her heroism should continue to live and should be proudly shared to the coming generations. Indeed, when Tita Cory died, the Philippines lost a gift – a great gift. But, her gift to the Filipino people was not buried with her. Our country’s democracy from the decades of corruption and dictatorship is the living and the most precious legacy she has ever given to every Filipino.
Thank you and goodbye President Cory! Long live democracy!
President Cory, a global icon of democracy who led the ouster of one of 20th century’s most corrupt dictators, died at 76 after a 16-month battle against colon cancer. Her family announced that she died in the early hours of August 1, shortly after a private mass was held in her hospital room. President Cory, affectionately known as Tita Cory, was the Philippine president from 1986 to 1992 and is best remembered as the slim woman in yellow who led the “People Power” revolution that toppled Dictator Ferdinand Marcos more than two decades ago.
The death of Tita Cory brought back the People Power spirit which engulfed the nation years ago. From her sickbed down to her grave, the whole nation witnessed the outpouring of love from the Filipino people across the nation – rain or shine, daytime or nighttime. At the height of the nation’s mourning for the death of the icon, people wearing yellow ribbons and yellow dominated outfits tirelessly line along the streets, flashing the former president’s trademark “Laban” hand sign while repeatedly chanting the former president’s name, throwing yellow confetti, releasing yellow balloons, and freeing doves – all reminds us of the historical People Power revolution.
Moreover, though it pains to see President Cory pass away, the reaction showed by the Filipino people is heartening. In the past months or even in the past years, it seemed that the essence of democracy was set aside and was considered irrelevant and immaterial – the democracy which President Cory and her husband, Ninoy Aquino, together with the multitude of unsung heroes and heroines of EDSA I, have fought for came to the fore once again.
President Cory’s passing ended her life and her battle against her illness, but reinvigorated the spirit of People Power – it reminded both the older and the younger generations that Philippine democracy should be cherished and upheld at all times. Her sickness and death have, obviously, regenerated faith, peace and unity among Filipino people. The series of novena prayers and healing masses held all over the Philippines and in other parts of the world; the rapid spreading and posting of the images of that meaningful yellow ribbon on the web and on the prints; people tying yellow ribbons; and the gold-colored banners, flowers and balloons swarming along the streets everywhere in the Philippines is a reminder that Filipinos can always unite and work as one for a brighter and progressive nation.
These only proves what President Cory is to the Filipino people – a treasure.
President Cory’s very meaningful life and death, as well as her heroism should continue to live and should be proudly shared to the coming generations. Indeed, when Tita Cory died, the Philippines lost a gift – a great gift. But, her gift to the Filipino people was not buried with her. Our country’s democracy from the decades of corruption and dictatorship is the living and the most precious legacy she has ever given to every Filipino.
Thank you and goodbye President Cory! Long live democracy!
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