The Death of The Former President of the Philippines Cory Aquino

(Oita Godo Newspaper, August 1st 2009, evening paper)

(Manila) The former President of the Philippines Cory Aquino died at the age of 76. On September 1^st, the entire country, including the government and all citizens, said goodbye to Cory Aquino who fought for the country's democracy.

The Philippine government announced a 10-day mourning period. According to the eldest son of the late Senator Benigno Aquino, her body was to be rested in a Catholic school in Manila from the evening of the Sept 1^st to Sept 3^rd morning, to receive condolence from people. On September 5^th, the body was to be buried in a cemetery in Manila, beside the grave of her late husband Benigno Aquino.

The former president was a devout Catholic believer. Her health condition worsened, and after being hospitalized in late June, there were masses opened to support the people who were praying for her recovery. The mass would be continued until her burial on September 5^th.

According to her late husband Senator Benigno Aquino said that Cory Aquino "wished that everyone would pray for one another and for the country".

Comment: Cory Aquino is one of my role models. She is a person of character, with strong faith, determination, and commitment. She was actually a housewife, but upon the death of her assassinated husband, she rose on the occasion to fight for her people's democracy. Clearly, she is not hungry for power, but she held true her ideal for her people. She is a good mother, and was able to bring up her children with good education. And she is also a capable woman who has contributed to the betterment of society.

NUGROHO Katarina Marsha Utama

Indonesia

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, APM3