VOICE Network

REMEMBERING CORY AQUINO: AN INSPIRATION TO VOLUNTEERING

By Nathaniel George Hipolito

Withinthe first three hours of August first, we all bade farewell to an icon offreedom, grace and strength. President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino passed away, bearingthe Filipino people’s great admiration and respect. She was no doubt ournational symbol of hope, restoring democracy and the Filipino’s belief in theirabilities to make this nation great once again.

Itwould be wrong to assume that President Aquino single-handedly rose to thepresidency and for restoring democracy to this nation. Her humble persona wouldn’teven claim all the credit to herself. She shares the victory of the EDSArevolution with the millions of Filipinos who firmly believed that the Filipinocan rise, and a better future is waiting ahead.

Asher life story would reveal, one could say that Cory Aquino’s journey to thepresidency was through the great spirit and dynamism of volunteering. And shewas herself, a volunteer. Thrust from being the wife of the slain senator-heroBenigno Aquino into the political arena, she might have been initially hesitantof the enormous task ahead. But she nonetheless responded to a deeper call, afirmer belief made her take the plunge, offering a life of service, even untilher battle with cancer.

PresidentCory Aquino’s and Ninoy’s lives have deeply inspired many people to go beyondthemselves, to volunteer for something greater for the nation. I was still agrade schooler when the EDSA Revolution happened. But through photo and video documentariesof that historic event, I surmise that the years and weeks leading to the EDSArevolution in 1986 were filled with endless stories of volunteering, especiallyfor the marginalized. Although always wary of soldiers of martial law, people werehungry for avenues to share skills, and serve. Volunteer organizations thenwere borne out of and were further rationalized because this deep desire toreach out to those in the countryside, especially among the youth.

Asthe clamor for peace and democracy grew louder, people from all walks of lifesacrificed for a common goal, for a common purpose. With great determination togain freedom back, people contributed their resources, gave time and presenceto that historic event forever remembered as the EDSA Revolution.

Thegreat outpour of support that happened in 1986 wouldn’t have been possible ifnot for countless volunteers nationwide, working quietly and carefully, at timesevading arrest – just so to restore freedom and hope. Truly, the spirit ofvolunteering was at work at EDSA and we found in Corazon Aquino, an inspiringbeacon of hope.

Nowthat she has passed, her legacy of self-giving, of working through and with volunteerswill always be remembered. Through Corazon Aquino’s life of commitment, she hasshown genuine leadership by example. Cory celebrated people power, and how thispower- this giving of selves for others and for country can truly be the pathtowards freedom and change.