During the first death anniversary of Benigno "Ninoy" S.
Aquino, Jr. last August 1994, among the first statues of our martyr, cast by a Filipino sculptor Tomas Concepcion in Rome was brought to
Manila by the late Dr. Alejandro Roces. Businessman Jose Antonio Gonzales took the statue and had it installed in his building at the
Mondragon Industries Building located at Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue (formerly Buendia Avenue) in Makati City, and served to inspire the
spirit to struggle for the restoration of our freedom and democracy, as well as justice for Ninoy and justice for all.
The following year (1995) Mr. Gonzales decided to donate the statue to the City of Manila through the courtesy of then City Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, until finally on February 2004, the succeeding City Mayor of Manila at the time, Mayor Joselito Atienza decided to donate the statue to the Spirit of EDSA Foundation through its Founding Chairman Christopher L. Carrion, who started looking for a permanent and a fitting site for the statue.
Finally, as Christopher L. Carrion's popular assertion goes, "EDSA began with Ninoy", it was decided to have the statue installed beside the People Power Monument located at EDSA corner White Plains, Quezon City last February 24, 2005 with no other than former President and our beloved Icon of Democracy, the late widow of Ninoy- Cory Aquino leading the installation rites among other major EDSA personalities in attendance.
Cory's Speech
click this link for the former president's speech during the unveiling the statue of ninoy
Cory lead unveiling of Ninoy statue
By: Deedee Siytangco Manila Bulletin February 26 2005
Nation remembers EDSA 1 on its 19th anniversary
By Genalyn D. Kabiling Manila Bulletin February 25 2005
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Editor's Note February 24,2005
