Former president Benigno Aquino III, a true blue Atenean, came home to Ateneo de Manila University for the last time.

From Heritage Park in Taguig City, Aquino’s ashes were brought to the Church of Gesu in Ateneo at 9:30 am on Friday, June 25.

Hundreds of people from all walks of life paid their final respects to Aquino in his second home in Quezon City.

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For Aquino, the Ateneo community and its teachings helped shape him. He completed his elementary, high school, and economics degree at the Loyola Heights campus.

Aquino, according to those who have worked with him, was “magis” – a Latin word Ateneans usually use to describe someone who strives for something greater. (READ: How Noynoy Aquino delivered on 5 major promises)

Even when he became the chief executive, he chose “Blue Eagle, The King” as part of the march played at arrival ceremonies. “Blue Eagle, The King” is Ateneo’s fight song composed by the late senator Raul Manglapus.

In both times he spoke to Ateneo graduates at the start and at the end of his presidency, Aquino reminded them of the university’s values – of being men and women for others.

He said in March 2011: “Mali ang maging ugat ng paghihirap ng kapwa. Mali na tumunganga habang may nakikitang nagdurusa. Mali na balewalain ang kapwa-Pilipino. Anumang kilos natin, gaano man kaliit, ay tiyak na nakakaapekto sa kanila.”

(It is wrong to be the root cause of someone’s pain. It is wrong to do nothing when someone is suffering. It is wrong to neglect other Filipinos. Whatever we do, no matter how small, will definitely affect them.)

As he reached the end of his presidency, Aquino said that he strived to make his administration a “government for others” through policies that helped uplift Filipino lives.

“Simple lang naman po ang pangarap ko sa buhay. Kapag tinawag na ako ng Poong Maykapal, at sinabi Niyang ‘Finished or not finished, pass your papers,’ maipagmamalaki kong naiwan ko ang mundong ito nang mas maayos kaysa sa aking dinatnan. Iyan din po ang panawagan ko sa bawat isa sa atin,” he told Ateneo graduates in his last speech as president in 2016.

(My life’s dream is simple: That when the Lord calls me and says, “Finished or not finished, pass your papers,” I will be able to proudly say that I left this world in a much better situation. I call onto others to do the same.)

In a message to the university community, Ateneo president Roberto Yap said that Aquino will be remembered as the president who elevated the country’s status on the world stage – an observation that had been affirmed by the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs and the international community.

“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,” Yap said.

Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau

Aquino died in his sleep on Thursday, June 24, at around 6:30 am. The cause of death was renal disease secondary to diabetes. He was 61.

Aquino is remembered as the Philippine leader who brought China to court and the one who helped boost the economy through sound policies.

The Philippines will be in mourning for 10 days in honor of the late president. – Rappler.com