Assumption Pays Tribute to Ninoy

The Assumption High School in San Lorenzo Village, Makati went full speed ahead in supporting the iamninoy campaign. Students and faculty alike came up with unique ideas to express their thoughts on Ninoy's legacy and its relevance to contemporary issues.

The tie-up came about when Assumption launched its first ever intensive integration activity under the Assumption Basic Education Division. The theme was "ACBayan: A Celebration of Global and Local Communities."

The grade school students had an exhibit on the different regions of the country while high school students were tasked to come up with living museums. The living museum showcased the following: Positive Foreign Influences in the Philippines (Spanish, American, Japanese, and Chinese), Asian History (India, Japan, Saudi Arabia, China), World History (Spain, France, Great Britain, and Italy) and Economics (Mircofinance, Environmental Economics, Social Entrepreneurship, and Ethical Consumption). As part of their Social Studies subject, the students were divided into groups and were asked to choose a modern day hero to introduce to their classmates. They were then rated and the hero garnering the highest score was presented at the culminating activity last September 30.

Presenting noteworthy individuals is common in Assumption. It is part of a regular current-events activity in Social Studies called 'Head-Line' ('Head' pertains to noteworthy living individuals who are making a difference is society, the nation or the world. 'Line' pertains to issues about society, the nation or the world). The concept of a hero is nothing new to the students and the faculty. And since this year marks Ninoy's 25th year of martyrdom, the institution decided to highlight the history of Ninoy and the principles he stood by to make the integration week more relevant. The iamninoy team was invited by the faculty to participate in the activities.

Ms. Kate Villaruz, a Social Studies teacher, shares that The Assumption believes in Ninoy's values and that it should be inculcated in the youth of today. She asserted that and the campaign is a very powerful tool for students not only to imbibe the ideals of our modern-day hero but also for them to start redefining nationalism.
"Redefining nationalism is a running theme of the Social Studies department. We feel that nationalism is shaped by the call of the times. During Rizal's time it was fighting for independence from the Spaniards. During Ninoy's time it was ending the tyrannical rule of Marcos. What about today? What does loving our country mean today? This is something we want Assumption students to ponder on and act upon. Personally, I love the idea of iamninoy . I always tell my students that we are living in a kind of 'Philippine Renaissance.' I think we are already in a state of revolution which I'd like to call a 'T-shirt revolution' and we are changing this country 'one shirt at a time," she adds.

Mr. Lino Rivera, Executive Director of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Center for Leadership and professor at the Ateneo de Manila University, took time off his busy schedule to give a brief talk on Ninoy's legacy. Also part of the program was a film showing of Candle of our Lives and an Audio Visual Presentation of the iamninoy campaign. He stressed that they are never too young to start doing something relevant for the country. He encouraged them to choose a cause that they felt strongly about so that they will never cease to have the energy to see things through.

Mr. Rivera explained the idea behind the iamninoy campaign. Although by now students are already familiar with the icons and advertising materials that had been released since its launch last August 21, 2008, the project is not merely a commercial endeavor. Through the merchandise, the youth are provided a channel to help the less fortunate. It also aims to put these charitable institutions in the limelight by allowing iamninoy patrons to learn about the various existing programs and to inform them on how they can further help through direct donations, volunteerism or advocating issues they believe in.

The audience of the talk was mostly in the junior and senior levels since these students are already in the stage of choosing their career paths. The objective of the talk was to inspire the students to always consider the country in making life choices.

A booth was set up to provide more information on the campaign and invite students to sign up and be part of the movement. Commemorative items such baller IDs, pins, car plates were also made available. By the end of the day everyone was sporting the yellow pins and ballers proudly declaring that they are the Ninoy of the new generation.

ACBayan proved to be a very fruitful event. The students enjoyed showcasing their talents and skills as they reflect on social issues and the role they will eventually play in society.

To further show support, the Assumption faculty also gave away yellow balloons with iamninoy text printed in black. Everybody proudly showed off their balloons to pledge support to the initiative.

The iamninoy team will be visiting more schools to promote this project. If your academic institution would like to participate, please contact the iamninoy Secretariat at 894-1345. Don't forget to visit the events calendar page to keep up-to-date on upcoming activities.