Ninoy Aquino’s anniversary buoys Cory spirits -- Kris
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:50:00 08/21/2008
Filed Under: Assassination
MANILA, Philippines—The nation’s commemoration of her husband’s death 25 years ago lifted the spirits of former president Corazon Aquino whose health has been improving since she was diagnosed with colon cancer early this year, her daughter, actress Kris Aquino said Thursday.
Six months after the diagnosis was made, the former president is slowly regaining her health, Kris said in an interview at the St. John Bosco Parish Church in Makati, where the Aquino clan, along with friends and politicians, honored the memory of her father, Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.
Kris said her mother looked forward to the 25th anniversary activities and was more active the past few weeks.
“Her condition continues to improve. From the time she was diagnosed, she has become stronger,” she said.
“She goes to the office three times a week. Before, she just stays in the house,” she noted, adding that her mother’s appetite has also improved.
Dr. Ronnie Diaz Asuncion, one of Aquino’s physicians, said his patient’s condition in the past few months exceeded his expectations.
“She’s fine. She’s doing well.… The quality of life has improved. It’s much more than what we expected. The results were good,” Asuncion said.
However, Asuncion said he and other doctors have not totally removed Aquino’s cancer. “We are doing continuous treatment until we can eradicate the cancer,” he said. “It’s not complete remission yet.”
The doctor said Aquino continued to take medications and to undergo chemotherapy every two weeks.
In an emotional speech after the Mass, Aquino said she was glad that the country, especially the youth, remembered her husband.
“That is why it fills me with great joy to see young people -- some of them not quite 25 yet -- revisiting Ninoy and interpreting what he stood for from a fresh, contemporary perspective,” she said, referring to the “I am Ninoy” campaign.
The campaign, which uses Ninoy’s iconic eyeglasses, is geared toward popularizing and making Ninoy relevant to the youth sector.
Participants of the campaign, which include apparel manufactures and sportswear stores, aim to sell collectible merchandise with Ninoy’s image on it. Proceeds of the campaign will benefit various projects and charities.
“I am thankful that many among our youth continue to derive inspiration from Ninoy – from seeing our nation, and the world through his eyes,” she noted.
Twenty-five years after his death, Aquino said her husband belonged not only to her family but to the Filipino people, too.
“It is even more clear to me now that Ninoy was never really mine or my children’s to lose; he has always belonged to the people he chose to serve and to die for,” she said, her voice breaking.
At the end of the speech, Aquino said Filipinos should take note of how she and Ninoy brought out the best of each other.
She expressed the hope that every Filipino would be inspired by that.
“I am what I am today because Ninoy brought out the best in me and I think I brought out the best in Ninoy,” she said.
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