Ninoy Aquino bust
unveiled at Naia 3
Posted: 2:13 AM (Manila Time) | November 27, 2001
By Norman Bordadora
Inquirer News Service

"IT'S good to know that he has yet to be forgotten," said former President Corazon Aquino as she unveiled on Monday another monument to her martyred husband, Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., at the international airport that bears his name.

The former President celebrated the late senator's birthday a day early, joining top government officials in unveiling a giant bronze bust of Aquino at the site of new Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

"This is a fitting tribute to Ninoy. There could not have been a better time for this than on the occasion of his birthday," said Mrs. Aquino, who wore her signature yellow dress.

The martyred Aquino would have turned 69 today. He was killed upon his return from his US exile on Aug. 21, 1983.

His assassination, which was blamed on people close to the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, signaled the fall of the Marcos regime as protests and civil unrest accelerated after his death.

"This is a fitting place for his monument because this is where he offered his life. Ninoy loved life but he also taught us the meaning of courage and the willingness to sacrifice," Mrs. Aquino said.

The ex-president was joined at the unveiling by her son, Tarlac Rep. Benigno Aquino III.

The new Aquino monument, executed by Bicolano sculptor Ross Arcilla, was commissioned by Piatco, the private consortium that is building and will be operating the new Naia Terminal 3.

Arcilla, who considered Aquino his hero, said he has been waiting to do something to keep his memory and ideals alive in the hearts of Filipinos.

The bust was unveiled at its temporary berth at the departure hall of the terminal that is still under construction. It will have its permanent place in front of the mammoth facility that is to be completed in November 2002.

This is the first time that a monument to Aquino has been erected in the airport where he met his martyrdom.

The Manila International Airport only has a marker commemorating his death, placed there when the airport was renamed the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Aug. 17, 1987.

Other government officials who were at the unveiling ceremonies were Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo, Senate President Franklin Drilon, Transportation Secretary Pantaleon Alvarez and Naia general manager Edgardo Manda.

Also present was Piatco president Vic Cheng Yong.