PNoy Leads Opening of Photo Exhibit of ‘Cory Story’

Manila (PNA) — President Benigno Aquino III led the launching of a special commemorative photo exhibit featuring the life of his late mother, former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino, at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City on Monday.

The photo exhibit dubbed “History and Her Story”, organized by Ayala Malls, PeopleAsia Magazine and Tiger 22, showcases the life of the late democracy icon from her school years, to her marriage to the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. to the People Power Revolution and how she shaped Philippine history.

In his speech, President Aquino thanked the Ayalas for launching an exhibit for his mother saying such event will help educate younger generation about the lives of their parents.

“Through this exhibit and your stories, those who never encountered my parents will gain valuable insight about how they lived their lives and why they mean so much to the Filipino nation,” he said.

He said occasions remembering the sacrifices of their parents are sources of strength for his family and the Filipino people.

“They help recharged our hearts and souls, allowing us to go back in time to revisit the challenges and trials that my parents encountered. Through it, we are endowed once more with the confidence that as long as we follow their example, as long as we always offer our best for the benefit of our country and of our fellowmen, we will find a way to overcome any trial,” he added.

The President also noted that the examples set by his parents have helped him a lot on how to best serve the country. He quoted the last words of his late father Ninoy on the two requirements of authentic service – “faith in people and faith in God.”

The ribbon cutting ceremony was led by President Aquino’s sister Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz assisted by Vice President Jejomar Binay, Ayala Land Chairman and Ayala Corp. President Fernando Zobel de Ayala, and Ayala Land Inc. President and CEO Bobby Dy.

Zobel de Ayala, in his welcome remarks, honored the significant contributions of Cory to the country describing the late President a “model of courage and faith.”

“It is our privilege to host this tribute in the Ayala Malls to be able to remind people, especially the youth, of the central role that former President Cory Aquino played in restoring the democracy and freedom we now enjoy,” Zobel de Ayala said.

He likewise praised the administration of younger Aquino saying that his mother’s legacy lives on through his leadership of good governance.

“President Benigno Aquino has in the past four years led the country in the fight against corruption, in upholding the principles of good governance and in delivering the basic services that the poorest among us deserve,” he said.

“History and Her Story” also revisits Cory’s life as the first female President of the Philippines from 1987 to 1992. The exhibit showcases photographs from Cory’s close-in photographer Val Rodriguez, and the collections from the Aquino Center and Museum and the Ninoy and Cory Foundation.

Along with the exhibit, President Aquino also led the unveiling of a photo of former President Cory, which is featured in the special issue of PeopleAsia magazine for August 2014. PeopleAsia launched its issue titled “Five Years Later Remember Cory”, which features never before seen photographs of Cory prior to and during her presidency years. It also showcases photographs of her historic funeral march after she succumbed to colon cancer in August 1, 2009.

Also present during the event were Cabinet secretaries namely Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras and Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II.

Malacañang called on the public to view the exhibit, which will be displayed in all Ayala malls in Metro Manila.

Former president Cory Aquino was known to Filipinos as the “mother of Philippine democracy” as she courageously led the fight against the dictatorial regime of former President Ferdinand Marcos.

A self-declared plain housewife, Cory rose to political prominence following the assassination of her husband former senator Ninoy Aquino, the staunchest critic of Marcos, on August 21, 1983. Cory led the EDSA People Revolution in 1986, which toppled the dictatorial leadership of Marcos and restored democracy to the Philippines.

After stepping down, Cory remained an active advocate of democracy, human rights and women empowerment. She was also involved in various charitable activities and social projects. (PNA) CTB/PND/EBP

Image Credit: www.philstar.com