FOR THE ordinary Filipino, former president Corazon Cojuangco Aquino was an icon of democracy, a role model for sincere and principled leadership.

When she died of colon cancer on August 1, thousands flocked to her funeral and participated in her funeral procession to pay final respects to the leader who toppled the Marcos dictatorship during the first EDSA revolution.

On August 5, fourteen buses carrying students, administrators, faculty, and alumni from the Ateneo travelled from the university to the Anda Circle in Intramuros, to join the country in mourning for the president.

Donning blue shirts and yellow ribbons around their wrists, the Ateneo contingency and some bystanders were each handed a yellow rose to toss to Aquino’s coffin for the funeral procession.

School of Humanities Dean Ma. Luz Vilches said Aquino’s death is a great loss, because she has always been a moral figure ever present in times of turmoil. “Cory [Aquino] is an example of someone we can call a living saint…she may not be perfect and all good but she lived a life not for herself but in service of others.”

Vilches is grateful for having a woman like Aquino rule the country. “Hindi siya nabuwag kahit maraming problema, hindi nawala yung moral fiber niya kahit maraming corrupt sa paligid niya (She wasn’t fazed despite the many problems, she did not lose moral fiber even though there was so much corruption around her).”

For those lucky enough to have personally known Aquino, she was a loving mother and grandmother, according to her grandchildren.

Francis Aquino Dee, Cory Aquino’s grandson from daughter Viel Aquino-Dee, said Aquino is firm but kind. “She is not a disciplinarian. She does not shout at us rather, she would just point out our mistakes.”

He added, “She put up a strong fight during the time she was confined, she only broke down towards the end, but she tried to be strong so as not to make us worry more.”

Mother of democracy

Senior Mariana Lopa, Aquino’s grandniece, said that even if Aquino was not her grandmother directly, she had been there for all of them.

“She was always there ready to be with the family no matter what,” said Lopa, recounting Aquino’s support when Lopa’s grandmother—Aquino’s sister—passed away.

Office of Student Activities Director Chris Castillo said Aquino is the icon of a great lady leader. “My concept of leadership had always been buff, strong and manly, but she showed all of us that there is a softer, gentler and kinder side to that leadership.”

Loyola Schools Vice President Assunta Cuyegkeng said that Aquino’s funeral was reminiscent of the EDSA revolution. “I remember during the revolution, we were in EDSA…You can really see people united for a common goal… a similar atmosphere is present here.”

Gina Gacula, a secretary of a non-government organization who also attended Aquino’s funeral, said she considers Aquino her idol. “Simbolo siya ng isang nanay na mapagmahal at maalaga sa pamilya…iyon yung pinakita niya para sa ating bansa (She is the symbol of a mother who loves and cares for her family… that’s what she showed for our country).”

Beyond her presidency

Lopa said that even if she wasn’t that close to Aquino, she considers the late president a huge inspiration in her life.

“She is my inspiration to be a better leader. I mean her mission was to lead the country, and I think my mission at that point was to lead my teammates. So I guess I experience her presence best by leading other people,” Lopa said.

Lopa is overwhelmed with the support that Filipinos gave her grandmother. “When the donations for food and drinks arrived during the wake, it was like multiplication of the loaves and we were really able to feed many people who visited the wake,” Lopa said.

Dee said he is very thankful with everyone who took part in the wake and funeral and leaves this message. “Please remember my lola not just through history books but someone who lived a life with love, which is what my lola wants for all.”

Different generations united

Those who attended the funeral were not limited to the generation who experienced EDSA.

Ateneo Resident Student Association Council President Rose Cupin said she is struck by the feeling of connection she has with many Filipinos.

“I am here now to show respect, to honor her life…I am one with the rest of the country to pay my respects to an icon, the mother of Philippine democracy,” Cupin said.

Senior Rio del Rosario said the funeral was a way for all Filipinos to be united once more in celebrating Cory’s life by giving her honor. Del Rosario also said, however, that Ateneo could have done more, like brought more people to witness Aquino’s funeral procession.

Council of Organizations of Ateneo President Jose Miguel Zaballero said he was initially apprehensive of the number of students who would go to Aquino’s funeral. “Students were perceived to be apathetic but luckily the response was good. We were actually surprised that many college students came and that people are still here despite the rain.”

Cuyegkeng said she is happy that Atenean students joined other Filipinos in mourning and remembering Aquino. “However, I just wished there were more students present and that they will be able to have a deeper emotional connection with her and this.”

“For the student’s participation, I can say that it is hard to gauge the depth of their presence here, the reason why they joined, but it is nice to see a good number of the young ones taking part in this event,” Psychology Professor Cristina Montiel said.

Prayers for healing

Prior to Aquino’s death, Ateneo had events lined up to pray for her speedy recovery, including prayers, masses, candle-lighting, and novenas. Yellow ribbons were also tied all around the campus.

Office of Administrative Services Director Marie Joy Salita said when it was reported that Aquino died, her office held  an emergency meeting to re-plan the steps that Ateneo will take. “Everything had to change, [so] early Monday morning all the units of the Ateneo met, we decided that we will go and mobilize for the funeral.” Salita said Ateneo’s support to Aquino does not end with the mobilization for her funeral.

“For instance in the Loyola Schools, we will have video [showing] and freedom wall in strategic locations, in six locations,” Salita said. “You will see the features video about the fight of Cory and beside it will be the freedom walls.”

Castillo said this mobilization is Ateneo’s way of showing support to Aquino. However, because of various difficulties, they were not able to immediately act. “There was that sense of urgency to do something but at the same time we thought that it is really better to organize [first].”