By Regina Elaine Vendivil

Late Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III was brought home to his Alma Mater, Ateneo de Manila University, one last time as the public paid their final respects to his cremated remains at the Church of Gesu, on the 25th of June, and was buried beside his parents, former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino and former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., at the Manila Memorial Park the next day.

Aquino, the 15th President of the Philippines, is a “true blue Atenean” (GS ’73, HS ’77, AB Eco ’81), who passed away last June 24, of renal disease secondary to diabetes.

The urn of the late president arrived yesterday morning at the Church of Gesu and was welcomed by ADMU President Fr Roberto “Bobby” C. Yap SJ, who then led the Honor Rites and the blessing of the ashes. 

“PNoy was certainly a person for others, a leader for others… [and] a president for others imbued with competence, conscience, commitment, and compassion,” Fr. Yap said. 

This was followed by the Public Viewing of the Urn from 10 AM to 10 PM in accordance with IATF protocols.

The Requiem Mass was presided by the university president with homilist Fr. Jose Ramon “Jett” T. Villarin SJ, who was President Aquino’s college batchmate. 

“Noy, ikaw naman ngayon ang “pray from home”, ang “pray from heaven,” ikaw naman ang manalangin,” Fr. Jett concluded his homily. 

After the mass, Moira dela Torre performed a re-written version of her song Paubya. Jaya also performed “Minsan ang Minahal ay Ako”, which is said to be the late president’s favorite song.

In the internment mass earlier, which was presided by Archbishop of Lingayen, Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, OP, DD, he expressed that even though we were all shocked and saddened by his sudden farewell, we must still thank the Lord above all. 

“Sixty-one is an age too young to die, but his relatively short life is a fitting reminder for us that what matters indeed is not how long we live but how,” he said.

Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, sister of the late former president, delivered her eulogy speech on behalf of the Aquino Family, which was concluded by the standing ovation and long applause of the audience in the Church of Gesu. 

After the mass, the urn and Philippine flag were then brought to the Manila Memorial Park, Paranaque, where the burial was held. 

During the rites, a 21-gun salute, along with the bugle call, was done to give honor to Noynoy Aquino’s legacy as the former President of the Philippines.

The funeral honors and inurnment services concluded with Constancio de Guzman’s composition of “Bayan Ko”.

Photo Source: Radio Television Malacanang on Facebook