PNoy leads rites at Aquino ancestral home

President Benigno Aquino III on Saturday led the unveiling of the historical site marker at the Aquino family ancestral house in Concepcion, Tarlac. "Since its building in 1939 with the help of wood craftsmen from Pampanga, the surviving Aquino family members decided to renovate the house this year so the public could appreciate its historical value," the Palace said in a statement. Three generations of Aquinos lived in the 72-year-old house, including the incumbent President's grandfather and father, who are both his namesakes. The National Historical Commission (NHC) declared the Aquino ancestral home a historical site in 1987, a year after PNoy's mother, Cory Aquino, assumed the presidency. Malacañang said Aquino family members such as Tarlac Rep. Jesli Lapus, Concepcion town Mayor Noel Villanueva and Concepcion village officials attended the event. The Palace added that Aquino also joined other Aquino family members in celebrating the 80th birthday of his aunt Maria Aurora Aquino Lichauco, the eldest of all the seven Aquino siblings. The NHC said the government declared the Aquino ancestral house as a landmark because of its historical significance as the home of patriots from the Aquino clan. Since it was built in 1939, three generations of Aquinos have lived in the house, starting with General Servillano Aquino, the great-grandfather of the incumbent President. "General Aquino was a Katipunero who joined the revolution against the Spaniards. He also fought the Americans during the Filipino-American War," the Palace said. The President’s grandfather, Benigno Aquino Sr. also lived in the house. Aquino Sr. was the speaker of the national assembly, became Tarlac representative, senator and secretary of agriculture and commerce. His son, former Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., lived in the ancestral house when he was the mayor of Concepcion town. Ninoy became Tarlac governor and eventually senator, and opposed the Marcos dictatorship until his assassination in 1983. — RJMD/ELR, GMA News