Aquino government calls on the Filipino people
to unite in safeguarding democracy as the nation observes President Cory
Aquino’s death anniversary
The Aquino government called on the Filipino
people anew to unite in safeguarding our democracy as the nation observes today
the fourth death anniversary of President Corazon C. Aquino, the icon of
Philippine democracy, a Palace official said.
"We remember the life of Mrs. Aquino, after
her husband, former Senator Ninoy Aquino, was assassinated on August 21, 1983,
the mantle of fighting for democracy fell upon her shoulders; and she
responded. In the years that followed, she became the face of the Filipino
people's struggle for freedom—a struggle that culminated in the 1986 EDSA
Revolution," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during the
regular press briefing in Malacanang. Mrs. Aquino died from colon cancer at age
76 on August 1, 2009.
"As President, Corazon C. Aquino led with
integrity and honesty. She spent her term reclaiming our national dignity,
rehabilitating our country’s image in the international community and
re-establishing institutions to better safeguard our democracy," Lacierda
said.
Even after her term ended, Lacierda noted that
Mrs. Aquino continued her public service through her political activism and her
support for non-profit organizations.
"One of the greatest things we have learned
from Corazon C. Aquino is the work that it takes to maintain and improve a
working democracy. So as we celebrate the life she lived, we remain cognizant
of the challenges that persist," Lacierda stressed.
"We thank Cory Aquino once more, while at
the same time realizing that the truest expression of gratitude would be the
continuation of her work—creating in this country a democracy that is better,
stronger, and even more inclusive," he concluded. PND (js)
President Aquino declares August 9 as regular
holiday throughout the country in observance of 'Eid'l Fitr'
President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared
August 9, which falls on a Friday, as a regular holiday throughout the country
in observance of Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadan).
The Chief Executive issued the declaration
through Proclamation No. 629 signed on August 1 by Executive Secretary Paquito
N. Ochoa Jr., in line with the Republic Act No. 9177 that declared Eid’l Fitr
or Feast of Ramadan as a regular holiday throughout the country.
Eid’l Fitr is celebrated by the Muslim World for
three (3) days after the end of the month of fasting.
“To promote cultural understanding and
integration, the entire Filipino nation should have the full opportunity to
join their Muslim brothers and sisters in the observance and celebration of
Eid’l Fitr,” the President said.
"In order to bring the religious and
cultural significance of the Eid’l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness,
it is necessary to declare Friday, 9 August 2013, as a regular holiday
throughout the country," he said.
Ramadan is the month when Muslims observe a
strict fasting for a period of 12 hours daily, from sunrise to sunset.
Ramadan is also a month of sacrifice and
purification as the Muslims worldwide fast, pray and act with kindness towards
the poor and less fortunate. PND (js)
President Aquino joins the nation in celebrating
'Buwan ng Wika'
President Benigno S. Aquino III is joining the
nation in observing the whole month of August as “Buwan ng Wika,” emphasizing
the importance of having a common language to the country's progress.
"Nagkakaisa ang sambayanang Pilipino upang
ipagdiwang ang Buwan ng Wika sa Agosto, sa pangunguna ng Komisyon sa Wikang
Filipino," the Chief Executive said in his message in celebration of
"Buwan ng Wika."
In collaboration with the Department of
Education, the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino is spearheading the celebration of
the “Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa” this August.
The theme for this year’s Buwan ng Wikang
Pambansa is “Wika Natin ang Daang Matuwid.” The Buwan ng Wika or the National
Language Month is celebrated from August 1 to 31 in pursuant of Presidential
Decree No. 1041(s. 1997).
"Nakapaloob ang pagkakakilanlan ng isang
lahi sa kanilang wika, at nabubuhay at nagbabago ito ayon sa pangangailangan ng
panahong ating ginagalawan. Sa pamamagitan ng tinig na sumasalamin sa
kolektibong karanasan at kasaysayan ng ating bansa, higit pa nating napalalalim
ang pagkakaisa at diwa ng bayanihan, sa sarili man nating lupain, o saan man
makakatagpo ng kapwa nating Pilipino," the President said.
He called on the Filipinos to contribute to the
economic growth of the country in this era of revitalization.
"Nagsisimula nang mamunga ang ating
pagsisikap; nagsimula na ang pagbawi ng ating pambansang dangal, tumitibay nang
muli ang ating mga istitusyon, at patuloy ang pag-arangkada ng ating ekonomiya
mula nang tayo’y nanumpang magsilbing mga huwaran ng katarungan, katotohanan,
at katapatan," he said.
"Sa patuloy nating pakikiisa sa ilalim ng
adyenda ng pagbabago, matitiyak natin na ang panahon ng liwanag at kaunlarang
tinatamasa natin ngayon ay magpapatuloy, at siyang mamanahin ng susunod na
salinlahing Pilipino," he said. PND (js)
Aquino attends mass commemorating mother’s death
anniversary
President Benigno S. Aquino III attended a mass
Thursday at the Manila Memorial Park commemorating the 4th death anniversary of
his mother, former president Corazon Aquino.
The President arrived at the Manila Memorial
Park around 3 p.m. Thursday and joined friends, Aquino supporters and members
of his Cabinet attending the mass.
Also present during Thursday’s event were his
sisters Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, Victoria Elisa “Viel” Aquino-Dee, and Pinky
Aquino-Abellada. Only Kris Aquino, the President’s youngest sister wasn’t
present during the mass.
Vice President Jejomar Binay, Defense Secretary
Voltaire Gazmin, Senate President Franklin Drilon, Presidential Communications
Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. were also present.
Also in attendance were former partylist
representative Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, and former representative Erin Tanada.
The former leader died on August 1, 2009 after
losing a 16-month battle with colon cancer.
Cory Aquino came to power after leading the
People Power Revolution in 1986 against Ferdinand Marcos who ruled the
Philippines with an iron fist for two decades. She also sustained democracy in
the country by fighting off seven coup attempts in her six-year presidency.
Former president Aquino was buried beside her
husband, the late senator Benigno Aquino Jr. PND (as)
