Contrary to the notion that the spirit of the death of Ninoy Aquino has been fading in the stream of national consciousness, it appears it is alive, even among those who were not born yet when he was assassinated on Aug. 21st, 41 years ago.
That is, if we consider the comments of youth leaders, whom I interviewed on the week of Aquino’s death anniversary.
It has been observed that the number of those joining commemorative gatherings in Aquino’s memory has dissipated through four decades. However, the rhyme and reason for his sacrifice remain appreciated, even among the younger generation as reflected in this week’s forum of ideas.
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Below are comments I solicited from three youth leaders on how their generation view the death of Ninoy four decades ago.
The comments were shared by Ken Paolo Gilo, 23, incumbent national chairperson of the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines and last year’s executive president of the student government of the University of St. La Salle, where he earned his Political Science degree summa cum laude; Francis Ryan Pabiania, 24, a Mass Communication graduate of Silliman University and an environmentalist and multi-media artist; and Kyla Cumawas, 18, USLS PolSci first year student and former editor in chief of Ang ANINAG of Negros Occidental High School.
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CONTINUE THE FIGHT FOR FREEDOM. For us young Filipinos, Ninoy Aquino has been a symbol of the collective spirit of a nation committed to the pursuit of democracy and a secure future where everyone is free and thrives.
He represents the courage and hope of countless Filipinos who dared to dream of a better future without fear or favor. His initiative and sacrifice have proven to be a powerful reminder that Filipinos have the strength to stand together for the sake of the nation they want.
This history that others are trying to rewrite still inspires today’s youth to continue the fight for freedom, justice, and equality, ensuring that the sacrifices of the past pave the way for communities the succeeding years. – Francis Ryan Pabiania
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WE LOOK BACK. In the midst of the rampant threat of revisionism and distortion of truth behind our history, we, the Filipino youth, should serve as the frontliners in commemorating the heroism and bravery of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and his role in the rebirth of Philippine democracy…
With facts being slowly filtered, young Filipinos should seek for the truth in remembering the commitment of Aquino toward freedom and social justice. His courage and legacy fueled the burning desire of the Filipino people to fight for their rights and freedom that took part in shaping the democracy that we have up to this day.
It is important for the current generation of the Filipino people to look back to the stories of bravery and heroism that shaped our country, and to be motivated to take part in pursuing social justice and democracy. – Kyla Cumawas
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AN EPITOME. We often sing the lines “Buhay ay langit sa piling mo” and “Ang mamatay nang dahil sayo” from our national anthem so frequently to a point that our familiarity has bred contempt.
Ninoy Aquino is the humanization and constant reminder that such lines are beyond poetic words. He had multiple opportunities to avoid returning to the Philippines and knew well that his return would likely cost him his life.
In a powerful interview aboard the plane returning home, he declared: “If it’s my fate to die by an assassin’s bullet, so be it. But I cannot be petrified by inaction or fear of assassination and therefore stay in the corner. I have to suffer with my people, I have to lead them because of the responsibility given to me by our people.”
Ninoy is an epitome of what an opposition leader should be, what a public servant should be, and what it means to be a Filipino fighting for democracy— to struggle with your kababayans, and to work collectively with them in fighting against injustice and inequality.
Today, it is harder to live for the Filipinos than to die for them. But we learn from Ninoy’s bravery: “Buhay ay langit sa piling ng mga kababayan, anuman ang resulta ng ating pagkilos.”
We may face repeated setbacks in our fight for democracy, but as modern-day hero Lean Alejandro reminds us, “the struggle for freedom is the next best thing to actually being free.”
Drawing inspiration from these two heroes who played pivotal roles in restoring our democracy, we must persist to be collective in our efforts. – Ken Paolo Gilo
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With these thoughts, the country appears assured that our future leaders have a clear grasp of the rhyme and reason of that historic death one August a year and four decades ago.
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I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (I Timothy 2:1-2) | NWI
