Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III, 1960-2021 (Memo U2122-008)

Ateneo de Manila University is one with the Filipino nation in mourning the loss of Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Cojuangco Aquino III, the 15th President of the Philippines and a distinguished Ateneo alumnus. Former President Aquino passed away on Thursday, 24 June 2021.

Noynoy, as he was fondly called by both family and the public, was a true-blue Atenean, completing his elementary, high school, and college education here in Ateneo de Manila (GS '73, HS '77, AB Economics '81). He was also an avid Blue Eagles fan, and came home to Loyola Heights numerous times throughout his career as a public servant.

In his message to the graduating class of the Loyola Schools in 2016, which coincidentally was his last official speech as President, 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.

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.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family and his loved ones, and the Ateneo de Manila University community will keep him in our prayers.

_{(Photo courtesy of Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau / File)}