MANILA, Philippines?A public high school to be named after the late President Corazon ?Cory? Aquino will be built by the Makati City government as its tribute to the country?s icon of democracy.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay made the announcement on Sunday as thousands of Filipinos flocked to cemeteries to remember their dead loved ones.

The four-story, 12-classroom structure will rise on J. Victor Street in Barangay Pio del Pilar, in honor of the well-loved former leader who died in August due to colon cancer.

?Makati and its people greatly owe the progress they enjoy today to President Cory, and it is but fitting that we continue to show our gratitude to her in every way possible,? Binay said in a statement.

The first local official to be appointed by Aquino after the 1986 People Power Revolution, Binay earlier vowed to ?immortalize? the late president.

The high school, which will cater primarily to graduates of Pio del Pilar Elementary School I, is expected to be operational by next year.

Binay said another high school was renamed after Aquino?s husband, Sen. Benigno ?Ninoy? Aquino Jr.

Formerly known as the FABC High School Department-Comembo Annex, the mayor said the school was renamed through city ordinance 74-728 in honor of Ninoy, the fiercest political rival of then President Ferdinand Marcos.

Ninoy was assassinated upon his return to the Philippines from the United States on Aug. 21, 1983.

Following his death, Cory was persuaded into running for president against Marcos in a snap election in February 1986. Although Marcos was declared the winner, public disgust over what was perceived as widespread cheating during the elections led to a people power revolt which ended in Cory being installed as president.

?Naming our public schools after such a selfless couple who showed extraordinary love for their country and fellow Filipinos is an effective way to constantly remind and inspire future generations of their heroism,? Binay said.