Cory: People power still a light for RP

Former President Corazon Aquino still believes people power remains the guiding light of the country.

Wearing her trademark yellow outfit, Aquino spoke of how the concept of people power continues to empower Filipinos in many ways.

"I have come to believe that people power continues to be a light in this country even as my critics think otherwise," she told top executives and guests of Mead Johnson during the company’s centennial anniversary celebration at the Philippine Army Officers Clubhouse at Fort Bonifacio in Makati City Tuesday night.

Integrating the idea of people power with serving fellow Filipinos in more ways than being a politician, she said the company’s mission to nurture and improve the lives of others is a service to the nation.

Through helping others, she said, the flame of people power has been rekindled and continues to burn in the hearts of Filipinos.

"In the next 100 years, I hope that the men and women of Mead Johnson will keep the flame of people power burning brightly in the company," she said in a short speech.

Aquino refused to entertain questions on reports linking her to alleged plans to assassinate President Arroyo on Oct. 15.

But even the venue for Mead Johnson’s celebration — a military bastion — intrigued journalists and guests who attended the affair.

An organizer told The STAR that the activity had to be held at Fort Bonifacio "because it was a safe place for Aquino to be."

Mrs. Aquino encouraged Mead Johnson employees to "continue caring for the malnourished sector of our society so that you will give hope and a new beginning to the children who will benefit most from your products and services."

"Gather the melted wax and put new wicks to keep the fire burning brightly for the generations to come. We have no reason to complain but have all the reason to sustain our efforts," she said, concluding her speech to roaring applause.

Mrs. Aquino, as guest speaker, congratulated Mead Johnson on its 100th anniversary and thanked the infant milk company for being one of those helping to fight the problem of malnourishment in the Philippines through its feeding programs.

"In the Philippines and in the rest of the world, the mother has always been the symbol of love and care for children," she said.  

"It is heartwarming to know, however, that Mead Johnson, the global nutrition company that we know now, was a product of the love of a father for his son," she said, referring to Edward Mead Johnson Sr., who formulated the first infant milk for his son Ted in 1905.

Mrs. Aquino lauded the company’s strong corporate social responsibility program and its support for breastfeeding.

"I am glad that Mead Johnson continues to do its share by putting up a lactation station in the workplace to encourage its employees to breastfeed," she said, commending Mead Johnson for openly admitting that its products come second to breast milk.

Mrs. Aquino also congratulated Mead Johnson for its nationwide milk-feeding program. The program is now in its fourth year and has already reached 168 areas, nourished 4,800 Filipino children, and educated 4,800 mothers.

Mead Johnson president Roger Dallas said the company had been in the Philippines for more than 50 years and hopes to continue nourishing generations to come.

He said the company commits itself to providing products that give children the best nutrition possible in their first years of life.

Each of the guests at the anniversary celebration was asked to pick a photograph from a board full of pictures of children and each child chosen would receive a year’s supply of milk from Mead Johnson in the name of the person who picked him or her.   

Mrs. Aquino herself picked one and was proud of how the company celebrated 100 years with a heart for Filipino children.