Cory Aquino forum on women leadership launched

The President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino (PCCA) Forum on Women in Leadership was launched on Thursday, Oct. 16 with the goal of motivating outstanding women to be leaders with integrity and courage.

Organized by the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF) in partnership with the De La Salle University – Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance (DLSU–JRIG), the forum aims to “inspire and empower women leaders through the enduring example of President Cory’s courage, integrity, and faith during one of the most challenging chapters in the nation’s history.”

“Lola Cory faced many challenges as a woman candidate and as our first woman president. This memorial forum series is about seeing how these challenges have changed or persisted for women leaders today,” said Kiko Aquino Dee, NCAF Executive Director and the late President’s grandson.

In a separate video message, Jia Aquino Dee, an Aquino granddaughter, noted that people today “yearn for leaders with integrity.”

“Despite the unique challenges that they face, women in the Philippines and around the world have done more than their fair share to fill that gap. May this memorial forum in Lola Cory’s name become a regular space for women from all walks of life to celebrate our victories and learn from each other as we make the world a fairer and better place,” she said.

DLSU–JRIG Director Dr. Francisco Magno said the PCCA Forum on Women in Leadership will be held yearly to underscore the importance of leadership values rooted in service and integrity.

He said Aquino’s leadership was not only historic as she was the first female President who was swept to power after a bloodless revolution – it was also transformative.

“Her example continues to inspire our work at the Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance, where we strive to nurture ethical, people-centered, and inclusive leaders - especially women and the youth – who will carry forward the unfinished work of democratic transformation,” Magno said.

The inaugural PCCA forum featured the following women leaders for their courage,  tenacity, and compassion in advancing good governance and social change:

• Margie Penson Juico – Former Appointments Secretary of President Cory Aquino (1986–1992) and former chairperson of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO);
• Heidi Mendoza – Former commissioner of the Commission on Audit (COA) and a senatorial candidate in the past 2025 elections;
• Kaka Bag-ao –  Incumbent Representative of Dinagat Islands; alternative lawyer and advocate for social justice; and
• Aina Mari Sisante Maligalig – Incumbent Vice Mayor of Magallanes, Cavite; an educator by profession who also served as municipal councilor for three consecutive terms.

Veteran journalist and author Marites Dañguilan Vitug, who has decades of experience in political and investigative reporting, moderated the discussion.

The NCAF aims to promote and preserve the legacies of Ninoy, Cory, and Noynoy Aquino in leadership, democracy, and the defense of freedom. — JMA, GMA Integrated News