Photos by Bernard Testa/BusinessMirror
Former President Benigno S. Aquino III (GS ‘73, HS ‘77, AB Eco ‘81) made a final homecoming in his alma mater as the cremated remains of the late former president was brought to the Ateneo de Manila University’s Church of the Gesu on Friday, June 25.
Ateneo hosted the day-long public viewing and private arrival ceremony of Aquino’s remains.
People were allowed to walk in front of the urn to pay their respects and say a prayer for the former chief executive fondly referred to as PNoy for a few seconds. Meanwhile, family and close friends were allowed to stay in a sectioned-off seating area, which can accommodate up to a maximum of 140 people at any given time.
Ateneo and the Aquino family requested that visitors cooperate with the campus personnel, to ensure that the public viewing is safe, secure, and respectful.
Health and safety protocols were strictly implemented, in adherence to government regulations for COVID-19. Visitors’ temperatures were checked, and everyone was required to fill out contact tracing forms prior to entering the Gesu. The wearing of face masks and face shields at all times was also mandatory. Outside of the Aquino and Cojuangco families, children were not allowed to enter the campus.
All visitors (pedestrian and vehicular) were directed to enter via Gate 3 along Katipunan Avenue (the gate opposite KFC/Regis Center). Marshals were assigned to guide the public where to proceed, as well as to ensure order and continuous flow of the line.
Due to strict security and health measures, those who came to pay their respects lined up in an orderly fashion starting at 9:45AM. There was limited parking available at designated areas inside campus.
Those who could not physically come to the Church of the Gesu had other opportunities to pay their final respects. There were two Requiem Masses that were streamed live at 5pm and 8pm on Friday, June 25. Another one also took place this place this Saturday, June 26 at 10am. Links for these Requiem Masses were posted on Ateneo de Manila University’s official social media channels, and on Radyo Katipunan 87.9 FM (fb.com/radyokatipunan).