In his speech during the awarding ceremonies of the 22nd Ninoy and Cory Aquino Fellowship Awards for Professional Development (Journalism and Public Service Categories) at the Rigodon Ballroom II of the Peninsula Hotel Manila in Makati City on Tuesday, the President underscored the efforts of some Filipinos, including that of his parents, who have gone beyond what are expected of them to contribute more for the country and their fellowmen.

“I believe that what we are truly celebrating today is the capacity of every common Filipino to contribute to genuine and lasting change… this is what I’d like everyone to remember about my mother and my father and about those whom we have awarded these fellowships… that they are just like each and every one of us, that have chosen to go far beyond what is required of them as citizens to help their fellowmen,” the President said.

The Chief Executive noted the need for cooperation and concerted efforts of the government and the citizenry in pushing for the welfare of the country and the people as well. He encouraged every Filipino to live the life that his parents led and the examples that were shown by the awardees.

“Our country is in the process of recovery, of rebuilding institutions that have served us so well in the past years… the reality is that this is a difficult job, one that cannot be accomplished by one person or even by the government alone. But if the Filipino people hear about the stories of Father Ponpon (Vasquez) and Lieutenant Beltran… if they take it to heart and if they follow the examples of our awardees each of their own little way then what this great nation hurled with great people can achieve may well be limitless,” the President said.

During the event, President Aquino and United States Ambassador to the Philippine Harry K. Thomas awarded the 2011 Ninoy and Cory Aquino Fellowship for Professional Development to two outstanding Filipinos who have shown exemplary accomplishment in the fields of journalism and public service.

Father Eduardo C. Vasquez Jr., a Catholic priest and media champion working in the conflict-affected towns in Maguindanao province was awarded for his dedication and unwavering courage to highlight the plight of the less fortunate through the production of documentaries that shed light on their struggles for a better future.

The same recognition was conferred by the Embassy of the United States of America on Lieutenant Junior Grade Roberto Mamaril Beltran of the Philippine Navy in recognition of his selfless efforts to serve his country, contribution to peace and development and being a role model of sacrifice, honor and courage.

“To the awardees, as President of this country, allow me to say to both of you that you will always have my admiration and respect for what you have given to the Filipino people…” the President stressed.

“Today we have awarded two outstanding and inspiring individuals but I believe that the truly amazing thing is this: the fact that as human beings, we have the capacity to push ourselves just as these two people had… just as the past winners of the awards and both my parents had,” President Aquino said.

Ambassador Thomas, in his opening statement bared that 23 years ago, the United States Embassy partnered with the Aquino Foundation in establishing the “Ninoy & Cory Aquino Fellowships For Professional Development” in recognition of the outstanding accomplishments and potentials of people in the fields of journalism and public service.

Such fellowship, Thomas said, provides the awardees a three-week professional exchange program in the United States and as its name suggests, the awards honors the contributions of the late Senator Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino Jr. and President Corazon ‘Cory’ Aquino in efforts to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions.

“Through course of their contributions and of the democracy they help build are a free and vibrant press and a spirit of public service,” the American envoy said.

Also in attendance were US Embassy Charge de Affaires Leslie Bassett, Representative Dakila Carlo Cua of the lone district of Quirino and Chairman Daniel ‘Bitay’ Lacson of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and Presidential sister Pinky Aquino-Abellada, among others.

The Aquino Fellowship is one of the several exchange programs that the US government provides in the country and worldwide. These programs foster international understanding through the exchange of information and ideas between the people of the Philippines, the US and other countries.

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