Noy remembered for leadership with competence, conscience

MANILA, Philippines — As family, friends and supporters commemorated yesterday the first anniversary of the death of former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, the nation will always remember his leadership that was marked with competence, conscience, compassion and commitment.

This was the message of Fr. Bobby Yap during mass offered on Aquino’s first death anniversary at Ateneo de Manila’s Church of the Gesu.

In remarks, Yap said classmates and friends of the late president raised about P15 million for a scholarship endowment fund to benefit youths outside Metro Manila.

“In a year, P15 million has been raised, which will allow scholars outside the National Capital Region to study for their college here at ADMU,” Yap said.

“He will also be remembered for representing the Philippines with honor and dignity, elevating our country’s status on the world stage,” Yap said.

“In the face of a planet in emergency mode, a chaotic political environment, wars in different places, disinformation and misinformation and a heavily fractured society, we ask for (Aquino’s) prayers that Ateneo and Ateneans become true beacons of God’s light and love in our world,” he added.

Aquino’s sister, Ballsy, described her late brother as a “simple, honest, self-effacing and decent Filipino who gave his all without fanfare when he was asked to serve his bosses.”

“A year ago, our hearts fell apart when Noy breathed his last. But we returned him to our creator with gratitude for the blessing that he was,” she said.

Aquino, the 15th president of the country, died in his sleep. His death certificate indicated he died of renal disease secondary to diabetes.

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