The Diversion Road is a prominent thoroughfare in Iloilo City.

Beginning at the junction of General Luna Street, Infante Avenue, and M.H. del Pilar Street, near the boundary of Iloilo City proper and Molo District, the road stretches to the gate of the Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan town, Province of Iloilo.

But did you know that Diversion Road is actually Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. Avenue?

On Thursday, August 21, 2025, is the 42^nd death anniversary of the former senator.

Aquino, Jr. was assassinated on August 21, 1983 at the tarmac of what was then the Manila International Airport. The said airport was renamed after the senator. He was otherwise known for his moniker, "Ninoy."

“His death, gumising sa lahat na ‘the Filipino is worth dying for.’ People are being moved to sacrifice not really to offer their lives but to fight for democracy,” according to historian Nereo Lujan.

A marker of the Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. Avenue can be seen in Barangay Ungka II, Pavia town, Iloilo. However, it is apparent that the marker is untended, and that only a small portion remains.

According to a few Ilonggos, it is important to commemorate the senator’s significant contribution in restoring democracy in the Philippines.

“Naging leader rin siya ng bansa at marami siyang nagawa para sa bansa,” Raymund Cabiador, a resident, said.

Another resident, Ramy Masagnay, pointed out that there would not have been a People Power Revolution had Aquino, Jr. continued to stay in the United States of America in an exile. 

“Kung hindi siya siguro namatay, hindi siguro nangyari ang People Power na naging daan upang mapalitan ang mga Marcos. At nakita natin ang kabutihan sa pag-unlad ng Pilipinas,” Masagnay opined.

Aside from Aquino’s active opposition to Martial Law, he also contributed significantly in shaping Philippine politics.

“Opposition leaders like Nene Caram, Arthur Defensor, Sr., they won a seat in Batasang Pambansa. Ang awakening is not just in Manila but dito rin sa atin. Dahil at that time, malakas si Benedicto [Roberto] dito. He is a Marcos crony but nanalo pa ang mga opposition leaders natin,” Lujan elucidated.