Corazon Aquino, 1933-2009

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The Philippines has lost another defender of democracy, former President Corazon Aquino, on August 1, 2009. The country mourns her passing, and flags are at half-mast. President Gloria Macaagal-Arroyo has declared August 5, as a holiday, so that more people can participate in her funeral. 

She has been touted as one of the country's finest leaders in one of its darkest hours; her unwavering faith a model for the millions of people who have put their trust in her. The brand of leadership she used is an inspiration for the world. True, her administration has been marked with challenges: natural, economic, and political. However, her presidency was at the time of the country's transition; the emotions of the times are reflected in songs that never fail to remind Filipinos to be proud of themselves and their freedom. She was a mother, first and foremost, to this country, a figure that it needed the most at that time. 

Hers is not a state funeral, as is the fashion for former heads of state. Instead, her relatives declined the Palace's offer, whatever their reasons are. Nevertheless, it is quite fitting for the housewife that was hoisted to power, and was never blinded by it. 

Now that she's gone, I realise that the people involved are getting on in years. It is now our turn, those who have been still too young to participate, to live up to the ideals that she and her peers have fought for and gained at EDSA 1986. It is up to us to make sure that the next generation understands how much has been sacrificed for the freedom we enjoy now. 

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