Former president Benigno Aquino III. (Screengrab from RTVM)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar paid tribute to former President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, who passed away on Thursday.
In a statement, Climaco-Salazar said Aquino served as president with dedication that upheld the legacy of his parents, former Senator Benigno Aquino Sr. and former President Corazon Aquino.
“He is one person who is committed and loves the country so much,” Salazar said.
Salazar said among the highlights of Aquino’s contributions to this city was the rehabilitation of areas affected by the 2013 siege, with the allocation of PHP3.7 billion under the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R) project, which is now 80 percent complete.
She noted that at the height of the siege, Aquino held office in this city for 21 days to personally oversee the operations, as government forces fought to defend the city from the rogue members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
In December 2010, Aquino signed Memorandum Order 11 directing a moratorium on the transfer of regional offices of all departments and agencies from this city to Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.
The order suspended the regional center transfer at that time until the matter was formally decided several years after, the mayor noted.
“We thank him profusely for the love and concern he showed to Zamboanga City. Paz na mano de Dios, La Virgen del Pilar y San Jose. Vaya con Dios!” she added.
Meanwhile, Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman expressed sadness over the passing of Aquino, whom he described as a good friend.
“We are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of former President Aquino. We did not only lose a pillar of our country, but also an honest and good friend,” Hataman said.
Hataman said Aquino remained humble despite being elected as President in 2010.
Hataman said he has high respect for Aquino, whom he described as a patriotic and honest leader who loves the country so much.
“Paalam, kapatid kong PNoy! Saludo ako sayo! Sa iyong paglisan, baon mo ang aming paggalang, paghanga at pagkilala. Hinding hindi ka namin malilimutan! (Farewell, my brother PNoy! I salute you! As you leave, you will have our respect, admiration and recognition. We will never forget you!" he added.
Aquino passed away at the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City due to renal disease secondary to diabetes. He was 61. (PNA)
