Former President Noynoy Aquino, ‘Son of Tarlac,’ honored in hometown

‘Son of Tarlac’ former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III (Photo from the municipal government of Concepcion)

MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga—The hometown of the family of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III on Thursday paid tribute to the “Son of Tarlac” upon his death.

The Philippine flag was flown at half-staff in Concepcion town to honor the late president.

Concepcion Mayor Andres Lacson expressed his town’s unity with the Aquino family in mourning.

“Bilang tubo ng ating bayan, tunay ngang ikinararangal nating lahat ang buhay ng dating pangulo, sampu ng kanyang mga magulang, na tumayo laban sa diktadurya. Bilang pagkilala sa mahusay niyang paglilingkod sa bansa, ipinag-utos ng ating Alkalde Andy David Lacson ang ‘half mast of Philippine flag’, tanda ng pagdadalamhati ng buong bayan,” the Concepcion municipal government posted on social media.

In Capas town, the municipal information office said that while Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan was busy attending to the area in Barangay Patling where the Philippine Air Force Black Hawk helicopter had crashed, he also expressed his sadness over Aquino’s death and his unity with the latter’s family.

The information office told the Inquirer at noon that the Philippine flag at the municipal hall ground will be flown at half-staff.

The provincial government of Tarlac posted a photo of the former president inscribed with “Rest in Peace former President Benigno Simeon ‘Noynoy’ Cojuangco Aquino III” in its Facebook account around noon Thursday.

“The Provincial Government of Tarlac mourns the loss of former President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ C. Aquino III,” it also said.

Tarlac City Mayor Maria Cristina Angeles posted her condolences on her Facebook page.

“Buong pusong ipinaabot ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Tarlac ang pakikidalamhati sa pagpanaw ni dating Presidente Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III,” she said.