Synergos notes with sorrow the passing of Corazon Aquino, President of the Philippines from 1986-1992 and a tireless advocate for democracy and broad-based development through the People Power movement.
Mrs. Aquino presided over her country’s difficult transition from dictatorship to democracy and brought about substantive economic and social reforms. Because of her determined dedication to democracy and commitment to non-violence, she was able to finish her term with the orderly transfer of power to her successor, Fidel Ramos, elected to office in the first democratic presidential elections in the Philippines in 23 years.
After her time in office, she continued to work to deepen democracy in the Philippines through the Institute for People Power. She also continued as a leader on social and economic development, working on issues including education, affordable housing and recovery from natural disasters.
Synergos recognized Mrs. Aquino’s accomplishments and unique leadership skills with the David Rockefeller Bridging Leadership Award in 2005. She received the award at our annual University for a Night, and shared with event participants insights on the democracy movement in her country, as well as the importance of international partnerships, stating “I believe that Third World, of course, will learn from First World, but First World also has a lot to learn from Third World."
She was an inspiration to us all.