Ateneo Alumni Association, UP, other groups mourn passing of Noynoy Aquino

The Ateneo Alumni Association, University of the Philippines and other groups on Thursday mourned the passing of former President Benigno Aquino III.

"Rest in peace, President Aquino. Thank you for your service to the country," read the short statement issued by the AAA.

"We join the nation and the world in praying for the eternal repose of his (Aquino's) soul. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam."

The late former Chief Executive was a product of Ateneo Grade School 1973, Ateneo High School 1977 and Ateneo College 1981.)

'Ups and downs'

For his part, Ateneo University President Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, recalled Aquino's message to the graduating class of the Loyola Schools in 2016 "he exhorted Ateneans to fully engage with society, to truly "go down the hill," and become agents of change willed by faith."

"Hindi tayo nagsanay para lang magkulong sa isang ivory tower. Hindi para sa sarili lang ang tuon ng kaalamang nakalap natin dito. Down from the hill: kasama, kahalubilo ng ating mga kapwa, upang maging kasangkapan ng Panginoon. Palagi, sa kapwa ang tuon. Sa kalakhang mundo. Dahil tayo ay men and women for others."

"His message was based on his experience in public service, as Tarlac representative, senator, and eventually President. His words ring true to this day, as we all face a truly complex and uncertain future," Yap said.

"Despite the ups and downs of his term, he will be remembered as a President who showed our nation and the world how leadership with competence, conscience, compassion, and commitment can bring about a marked difference in the lives of millions of people. He will also be remembered for representing the Philippines with honor and dignity, elevating our country's status on the world stage," he added.

The University of the Philippines also mourned Aquino's passing.

University of the Philippines President Danilo L. Concepcion and the UP community condole with the country on the loss of former President Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III.

Read here: https://t.co/b5yDPMk5iw pic.twitter.com/qZpMErfzBd

— University of the Philippines (@upsystem) June 24, 2021

In a tweet, UP said university president Danilo Concepcion and the UP community "condole with the country on the loss of former Senator and the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines (2010-2016), Hon. Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III."

It added that during his term, Aquino was a strong supporter of the higher education sector, including the University of the Philippines and understood the importance of high-value scientific research and innovation in the country and supported the various research initiatives within UP and collaborations between UP and the government sector."

The University of Santo Tomas also joined Filipinos in "praying for the eternal repose soul" of Aquino, who had praised the university for its principles.

"P-Noy graced the University's Quadricentennial celebration in 2011 and recognized UST for having 'educated the best this country has to offer. But when we look back at the long list of distinguished individuals this institution has produced, it is not merely education that sets them apart, but principles,'"  read the statement.

With Aquino's legacy of humility and integrity, UST also said it hopes that Aquino will continue to become an inspiration to the nation's future leaders.

NASSA/Caritas Philippines also extended its condolences to Aquino's family.

"Our condolences to the Aquino family for the passing of former President Noynoy Aquino. We remember him for his governance of bringing the government closer to the people. His tenure in office exemplified transparency and accountability in governance. We are saddened with his passing. I shall offer a mass for him and prayers," NASSA/Caritas Philippines national director Jose Colin Bishop  Bagaforo said in a radio interview

Meanwhile, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) also mourned the death of Aquino. 

"Former Philippine President Benigno Aquino III was one of the few leaders to take Mali the elephant’s suffering at the Manila Zoo seriously and he will be missed by everyone at PETA, " said PETA Senior Vice President Jason Baker, who asked that in Aquino's honor, Mali be transferred to a sanctuary "where she will be able to roam freely and bond with other elephants." 

According to his sisters, Aquino died "peacefully in his sleep" on Thursday morning. He was pronounced dead at 6:30 a.m. due to renal disease secondary to diabetes. — with Consuelo Marquez/RSJ, GMA News