THE City Government of San Fernando, through the City Tourism Office, commemorated Monday, August 20, the 35th death anniversary of former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. by unveiling a monument and laying a wreath at the Heroes Park of Heroes Hall.
The late politician's nephew, Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV, said he believes that the late senator's contribution and heroism will motivate Filipinos to love and serve the country.
"We are very thankful that the local government of San Fernando managed to place a monument of our uncle Ninoy Aquino here as a historical marker. It's really a huge thing for us that our uncle Ninoy got recognized within the Pampanga area, since he was born in Tarlac and was a governor there a long time ago. It's quite a long time but I'm saying it's good to remember that there are people who sacrifice for our people," Aquino said.
"Even though this commemoration is just a simple event, we still want the public to further acknowledge the sacrifices and the hard work of our fallen heroes. We really hope that their expectations towards the government leaders today will be increased. To everyone, it's a good example to make sure everything we do is really for our town. For the people, it's good to remember that we had a town servant who was willing to give everything to his homeland," Aquino added.
Mayor Edwin Santiago, Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, Councilors Harvey Quiwa, Reden Halili, and Gustav Henson, City Arts and Culture Council Chairperson Lourdes Javier, City Government employees, and representatives from the private sector also participated in the event.
Santiago said the commemoration will eventually relive Ninoy's contribution and spirit to each Filipino, especially the youth.
Santiago said Ninoy's life itself was his legacy to the country for it served as a way to restore freedom and democracy.
"On behalf of every Kapampangan, we are proud that Aquino has Kapampangan blood flowing in him, let alone he involved himself in politics and became the power of the weak. He adorned his name to be the voice of every Filipino in those previous hard times the Philippines had," Santiago said.