Illustration by: Michaela Alyanna Dela Cruz
August 21 has always been highlighted in calendars under national holidays. People with bustling lives count this day as a day of rest, a meager break between their hectic schedules. But it is more than just a holiday—it is a reminder of the person who contributed to the country’s journey to achieving democracy. Former senator Benigno Simeon “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. has left an indelible mark on Philippine history and every Filipino.
Assassinated on August 21, 1983, at the Manila International Airport, Aquino was an unwavering advocate of freedom. He voiced criticisms against the Marcos regime's abuses and was falsely imprisoned. After suffering a heart attack during his prison sentence, Aquino was permitted to seek medical care in the United States of America in 1980, where he spent self-exilation for three years. Despite knowing the danger that awaited him, Aquino insisted on returning to the Philippines to negotiate with Marcos and liberate the nation. Aquino’s plan was in vain, as he was shot dead the moment he landed on Philippine soil. However, his political cause still prevailed as his death widened the resistance movement and ignited the Filipino’s search for freedom against the grasp of Marcos.
The economic crisis after Aquino’s death and Marcos's deteriorating health caused doubts about the president’s ability to lead, pressuring Marcos to conduct a snap presidential election on February 7, 1986. The opposing presidential candidate was Aquino’s widow, Maria Corazon "Cory" Sumulong Cojuangco-Aquino, who decided to challenge Marcos and eventually won the snap election. Marcos tried to mask Cory's victory by controlling the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to declare him a winner. Results from the National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) and independent election monitors showed otherwise, triggering widespread outrage and the People Power Revolution in Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) from February 22 to 25, 1986. Due to the protests of millions, Marcos was forced to flee to Hawaii on February 25, 1986, enabling the country to regain its freedom.
A significant turning point in Philippine history was the People Power Revolution that followed Aquino's death, allowing the nation to recover its democracy from the clutches of authoritarian control. Every year, on August 21, the man whose martyrdom ignited a national movement for change is honored, and we recollect this historic event. Events honoring Ninoy Aquino's sacrifice and the continuing spirit of democracy he inspired are spearheaded by the EDSA People Power Commission. These events aim to immortalize Aquino’s battle to achieve democracy, with the government and private donations funding these activities. Some of these activities include parades, speeches, and various commemoratory activities to relive and revive the nationalistic spirit of the country. To celebrate the hard work of the Filipinos, people who choose to work on Ninoy Aquino Day will receive a 30% increase in their hourly wage for every hour worked. People also tend to pay tribute to the democratic hero by offering flowers at the NAIA Terminal 1.
Forty-one years after his death, Ninoy Aquino’s legacy remains stitched in the fabric of Filipino identity. His demise gave courage to many in the journey towards freedom. As student nurses, may we find inspiration in Aquino’s life and continue to utilize our abilities to serve our fellow Filipinos.
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