VARIOUS civil society groups and nongovernment organizations tied yellow ribbons in various areas in Cebu to commemorate the 35th death anniversary of the former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.
Led by Akbayan Youth and the Silent Majority, they tied ribbons along Osmeña Blvd. in Cebu City and the two bridges to Mactan.
They started the activity at dawn yesterday.
Cathy Ruiz, a member of Kaabag sa Sugbo, told SunStar Cebu that the activity aimed to remind the public that Aquino and others sacrificed their lives to help topple the Marcos dictatorship.
“Follow Aquino’s example”
She lamented the move of the Duterte administration to erase the legacy of Aquino and other martial law martyrs in leading the movement to restore democracy in the country by also declaring a national holiday to celebrate Eid’l Adha, or the Feast of the Sacrifice, on Ninoy Aquino Day.
She pointed out that Muslim areas in the country will celebrate the feast today, Aug. 22.
“This is a reminder to the public that we must seize the day again. We should not forget that many have died and sacrificed just to restore our freedom,” Ruiz said.
Even though he didn’t recognize Aquino in his past declarations, President Rodrigo Duterte reminded the nation of the late senator’s role in restoring democracy in the country.
He urged Filipinos to follow Aquino’s example by showing “profound love of country.”
“May his dedication to his cause serve as a guidepost for our current leaders in government as they advance the welfare of our people, especially the oppressed and marginalized,” Duterte said. (JKV)