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Thursday, February 26, 2004
After almost 21 years, Ninoy gets own holiday
MANILA—As the nation celebrated the 18th anniversary of the first People Power Revolution, President Arroyo signed into law Republic Act 9256, which declares Aug. 21 of every year as Ninoy Aquino Day, a special non-working holiday.
The law finally gave recognition to the senator, almost 21 years after he was assassinated the moment he stepped back on Philippine soil after years in exile in the United States.
After the signing ceremony at the People Power Monument, former president Corazon Aquino thanked President Arroyo for signing the law.
“I hope we will remember the sacrifices of Ninoy,” Aquino said. She acknowledged the display of “statesmanship and multipartisan collaboration” of the two chambers of Congress who, through the law, recognized Ninoy as a hero.
Aquino’s image already appears on the P500 bill and the international airport in Manila is named in his honor.
His widow yesterday urged the public to work towards preserving the democracy won by the revolution, and said she was leading a citizens’ volunteer group to monitor the conduct of the May presidential vote.
“What is important is for us to have peaceful and credible elections,” Aquino told reporters, but declined to endorse any candidate.
Edsa pledge
President Arroyo started the celebration of the 18th anniversary of People Power with a flag-raising ceremony at the People Power Monument.
“It was the non-violent, peaceful revolution of the Filipinos in February 1986 that sparked the light of freedom all over the world,” said Aquino’s successor, former president Fidel Ramos.
President Arroyo led the recitation of the “pledge of commitment” to live the spirit of people power:
“Before Almighty God and my beloved nation, I pledge to be always thankful for the nation’s freedom regained in the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution, born by the mercy of God and the unity of millions of Filipinos who stood their ground, in the face of danger and death, to defend the rights of their fellow Filipinos, and to show the world that the way to freedom and democracy is the path of peace.”
As “Heal our Land” was sung by Tex Ordonez, confetti from two helicopters showered the people attending the ceremonies.
In 1986, millions of Filipinos defied tanks and troops to support government forces that had broken away from Ferdinand Marcos.
The dictator, who had ruled for 20 years, was eventually forced to flee into exile in Hawaii, where he died in 1989. His family was later allowed to return home.
While members of the family still face numerous civil and criminal cases, two are now in government: Rep. Imee Marcos and her brother Ferdinand Jr., who was elected Ilocos Norte governor.
Ninoy Aquino’s murder on Aug. 21, 1983 started a movement that led to the overthrow of Marcos and the restoration of democracy. He was returning from exile to persuade Marcos to end his authoritarian rule, when he was shot dead just as he stepped out of the plane.
Growing protests pressured Marcos to call for snap elections in February 1986, where the opposition rallied around Cory Aquino.
Angered by massive election cheating, millions of Filipinos massed in the streets for peaceful demonstrations that became known worldwide as the People Power Revolution. (With PNA)
IN A short period of time, Eddie Ybañez’s program to start the development of young basketball players in Cebu through the M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Cup Developmental Basketball tournament, has earned the appreciation of the City Council.
Through the motion of Councilor Manuel Legaspi, the Council passed a resolution last Feb. 11 commending ML Kwarta Padala’s tournament and its coming “Adopt-A-School” 15-under tournament, which is scheduled to kick-off middle of next month.
“Whereas, the organizers of the 1st M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Cup Inter-School Developmental basketball tournament are planning to introduce an ‘Adopt-A-School’ program when they hold their 2nd competition exclusive for hoopsters aged 13-15 years old,” the resolution read.
According to the resolution, tournament’s aim is to exhort the companies in playing a key role in the development of young talents to shape them to become hardcourt icons in the future.
Ybañez, MLSDF director for Developmental Basketball, is eyeing to get at least 12 companies to sponsor the teams which have already signified their intention to join the 2nd M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Cup.
The first tournament, which drew 34 teams coming from 12 different schools drew the biggest impact with the three divisions: 10-under Mosquito division, the 13-under Mini division and 15-under Midget division.
The tournament saw Don Bosco Technical Center nearly sweeping all categories except for the Mosquito division – which was dominated by powerhouse University of San Carlos South Grade School Team A.
Meanwhile, Golden Dragon Supreme (GDS) Security Services is the first team to give support to the tournament – through its chief executive officer, the sportsman Ben Sun.
“Anything that could help the development of basketball in Cebu, I and GDS will be there to support,” said the Sun.
Twelve schools –Don Bosco Technical Center, University of Cebu, University of San Carlos Boys School, Salazar Institute of Technology, Cebu Institute of Technology, University of Southern Philippines, Cebu Eastern College, Philippine Christian Gospel School, Sacred Heart School-Jesuits, St. Alfonsus Catholic School and Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy and Maria Montessori School of Learning have earlier signified their participation.
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