IT’S THE SMALL THINGS
Alex Eduque
A week ago today, past President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III who we all fondly know, and now remember as PNoy was laid to rest – in a way most befitting of a man and a leader who valued simplicity, integrity, and most especially, the Filipino people. His leadership was honored in eulogies given by his cabinet members turned friends, and his sisters, but most especially, by the presence of people who lined the streets, and made sure to physically pay their respects to the late president in whatever way they could in the midst of a pandemic. Needless to say, the end of his life was honored by those most grateful for his being.
I remember thinking to myself as I was watching the yellow confetti drop from the helicopter on television how intimate and meaningful a service it was for someone who was once head of state. But then again, PNoy would have wanted no other way. Perhaps an impossibility if not for the pandemic. I have always believed that a prayerful man will always reap his rewards, and PNoy was that prayer warrior who led with much conviction, an unwavering faith, a most steadfast determination, and like his parents, an undying love for the Filipino people. His untimely death which caught us all off guard is indeed a reminder to us all that everything happens in God’s good time.
I remember reading so many tributes on social media that started with disclaimers about how he was not a perfect president, and then thinking to myself, but heck! Who is a perfect person? Why the need to qualify before talking about what was valued most about him, and not go straight to the point? As perplexing as the thought processes of people can sometimes be, and as varied as all our opinions are, may we agree to never forget the hardships and complexities that come with having to lead an entire nation, and essentially, fathering the Filipino people. May PNoy’s death remind us to humble ourselves, and be more forgiving of people’s mistakes and misgivings. May we learn to honor the legacy of a leader in the same way that he has chosen to lead us, and by choosing to see the good in all that he has done. We are a country blessed with a democracy, but the presidency, in my opinion, is destiny. And in destiny, I believe, God always has a hand.
As the cliché saying goes, “the good die young.” But in the case of PNoy, I must add that the great will live in our hearts forever. On a personal note, I will never forget how important he made 23-year-old me feel. I came back from The Netherlands after winning an award for fundraising and volunteerism in the International Fundraising Congress, and paid a courtesy call to him in Malacañang. His sheer presence was empowering, and meeting him was indeed most encouraging. To everyone who said that in his presidency he empowered and believed in the youth – I have first hand experience of that, and it is something I will remember for the rest of my life. To say that PNoy has touched my life is an extreme honor and prestige I will always cherish.
My mom always told me that she has always believed that on the day we are born, God also knows when He will take us back. After all, even when we are busy making plans, He always has greater ones. I am honored to have met one of his greatest disciples on earth, one who I can say truly inspired hope and brought many sunny days to my life. No other family, but the Aquinos, in the history of the Philippines has given us two presidents, and a national hero. They were catalysts of change, and beacons of light who wholeheartedly served the Filipino people, and for that, we are eternally grateful.