PNoy receives posthumous Doctor of Humanities degree for mother Cory

Almost three years after her death, former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino on Tuesday was conferred with posthumous degree in Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa by the Bicol University.   President Benigno Aquino III received the academic robe, hood and cap, diploma and plaque of commendation on behalf of his mother in ceremonies held at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang.   In his speech, the President expressed elation over the honor accorded his mother, saying it clearly reflects her optimism that provided hope for her countrymen.   “Sumasalamin ang pagkilalang ito sa pagiging ehemplo ng aking ina, gayundin sa mga ipinunla niyang butil ng pag-asa sa puso ng marami nating kababayan,” Aquino said.   “Patunay ang parangal na ito na may hangganan man ang buhay ng tao, ang positibong naiambag niya para sa kaniyang kapwa at sa lipunan, at ang inpirasyong iniwan niya sa pisikal na mundo ay hindi kailanman magmamaliw,” he added.   Aquino, the only son of Mrs. Aquino and slain Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., admitted that he still thinks of his mother a lot of times. “I do pray to her quite a lot especially when the problems are more than usual.”   The Bicol University conferred the posthumous degree on Mrs. Aquino in recognition of her advocacy to alleviate poverty through her microfinance programs, which have provided opportunities for the poorest of the poor to have access to financing for livelihood and skills training.   Mrs. Aquino, the country’s 11th and first woman president, died in August 2009 after more than a year of battling colon cancer. She was laid to rest beside her husband at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City.  She was instrumental in bringing democracy back in the Philippines in 1986 after she toppled the then-decades-old Marcos dictatorship. — Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMA News