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Nanawagan si Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa mga Pilipino na muling balikan at pagnilayan ang mahahalagang aral ng kasaysayan kasabay ng pagdiriwang ng Ninoy Aquino Day, bilang gabay sa tapat na pamumuno at pagkakaisa ng sambayanan.
“The commemoration of Ninoy Aquino Day brings to light a chapter in our nation’s shared story that continues to echo across generations and public memory. The passage of time has allowed the country to approach this event with greater clarity and, therefore, with a deeper perspective. History invites reflection more than reaction and from that reflection arises a clearer understanding of civic duty,” pahayag ng Pangulo.
Ang Ninoy Aquino Day ay taunang ginugunita tuwing Agosto 21 bilang national non-working holiday. Itinatag ito noong 2004 sa bisa ng Republic Act 9256 upang alalahanin ang pagpaslang kay dating Senador Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. noong Agosto 21, 1983, sa Manila International Airport (na ngayo’y kilala bilang Ninoy Aquino International Airport o NAIA).
Ang pagkamatay ni Aquino ang nagpasiklab ng malawakang protesta laban sa diktadurya ng dating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Sr., na humantong sa makasaysayang EDSA People Power Revolution noong 1986. Sa panahong iyon, naging mahalaga rin ang papel ng Radio Veritas sa panawagan ni Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin na nagtipon sa libo-libong mamamayan upang ipagtanggol ang demokrasya.
“Over the years, the Philippines has undergone a profound transformation, one defined by a broader public discourse about power, memory, and citizenship. These transitions unfolded in moments when individuals chose to meet history with resolve,” dagdag ni Marcos.
Binanggit din ng Pangulo na ang kasaysayan ay hindi lamang hatol kundi patuloy na aral para sa pamahalaan. “As someone raised within a political tradition formed by these moments, I have come to understand that history offers less final judgment than continuing instruction. It sharpens how we serve, how we listen, and how we bear the weight of an office with a greater purpose moving forward.”
Iginiit niya na ang pagdiriwang ng Ninoy Aquino Day ay nagsisilbing paalala para sa mga namumuno na pairalin ang hinahon, katarungan, at malinaw na pananaw sa kinabukasan. “This day, therefore, becomes an invitation to govern with sobriety, conscience, and foresight. Our commemoration achieves meaning when the lessons of the past are reflected in our actions and in the moral architecture of institutions.”
Dagdag pa ng Pangulo, ang paggunita sa araw na ito ay tanda ng kahandaang isulong ang pamumuno na nakabatay sa pagkakaisa at pagkakasundo. “In honoring this day, the Republic signals its readiness to uphold leadership that strives towards wholeness and reconciliation. Through this observance, we advance the work of statecraft: disciplined, steady, and shaped by the enduring imperative to choose peace above quarrel, and dignity beyond differences.”
Umaasa siya na maging makahulugan at taimtim ang paggunita ng bawat Pilipino. “May we all have a solemn and meaningful remembrance.”
