Ang Bayaning 3rd World

January 2010

Cory monument unveiled in Manila

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III led the unveiling of the 15-foot monument of the late President Corazon C. Aquino on her 77th birth anniversary Monday at the corner of Roxas Boulevard and P. Burgos Drive across the historic Manila Hotel.

Republic Cultural Heritage awardee Eduardo De Los Santos Castrillo, who was personally commissioned by Lim for the project, sculpted the bronze statue of the much-loved leader.

The newly unveiled monument — which stands a few meters from the statue of her late husband, Ninoy — shows the much-loved leader in the outfit she wore when she addressed the US Congress in 1986. The statue conveys the very essence of what the late president fought for. It shows her right hand raised in the Laban sign with her left hand holding the 1987 Constitution.

After receiving a posthumous award in honor of the former president, Senator Aquino spoke to express his gratitude to the city government of Manila for honoring his mother’s memory.

At the end of his message, Aquino underscored the vital role of the premier city in shaping the direction of the entire country. “Where goes Manila, so goes the nation,” he said.

Among those who attended the simple rites were Dr. Emilio T. Yap, chairman of the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp., former Sen. Franklin Drillon, Rep. Peping Cojuango, Butch Aquino, the present ambassador to Chile Baby Puyat-Reyes, former

justice Adolf Azcuna, former Manila Mayor Mel Lopez, National Historical Institute Chairman Ambeth Ocampo, Gemma Cruz-Araneta of the Manila Historical and Heritage Commission, Christopher Carrion and Margie Juico of the Spirit of EDSA Foundation, Department of Education Manila Superintendent Dr. Ponciano Menguito, and Manila city officials and students.

Meanwhile, the daughters of Mrs. Aquino also celebrated their mother’s 77th birth anniversary at the Manila Memorial Park in Paranaque City.

Pinky...