by Trinity Rosario (she/her)
Junior, Magruder High School
🥈2nd, 2023-24 Winter Writing Contest
The season of winter can transform the world into its canvas. Winter crafts intricate ice formations that turn everyday scenes into exquisite works of art and serves as a reminder that even in the coldest and darkest of times, there is unique beauty and grace around us. In a similar way, the strongest women provide the same sense of renewal and resilience in the face of adversity. When we are tasked with a challenge, we find it in ourselves to overcome them. When we are told that we cannot accomplish our goals, we show society that we can do anything we set our minds to. When we are told to be silent, we raise our voices and rise above the status quo. One of the many women that captures this stillness and strength of winter is Maria Corazon Aquino, the first female president of the Philippines.
Aquino rose to prominence throughout the 1900s and transformed from a shy law student to the first female president governing an entire nation. Aquino was an advocate for democracy, human rights, and social justice. Being born into a relatively affluent family with seven other siblings, Aquino focused hard on her studies and Catholic beliefs. She practiced education in both the Philippines and the United States and eventually met her husband, Ninoy Aquino, at Far Eastern University in Manila. Aquino’s husband was also a prominent figure in politics and was even elected as the youngest governor in the history of the Philippines. Shortly after, he became the youngest member of the Senate known for opposing the political views of President Ferdinand Marcos at the time. In 1983, Aquino’s husband was assassinated and a revolution was ignited against the authoritarian regime of Marcos. Marcos was expected to win the next election, given his domineering leadership tactics, but following the People Power Revolution, Aquino ran against Marcos as the opposition candidate. The People Power Revolution was a series of nonviolent and largely spontaneous demonstrations that took place in the Philippines and played a crucial role in restoring democracy within the country. For over two decades, Marcos’ regime was marked by corruption, human rights abuses, and a declaration of martial law in 1972, which allowed him to rule by decree and suppress opposition. Aquino decided that it was time for change and it was time for justice. She fought hard despite Marcos calling her “just a woman” and facing constant pressure from leaders within other nations, such as Ronald Reagan who was friends with Marcos at the time. When Marcos was declared winner of the election, many Filipinos argued over the legitimacy of the election results and even gained support of key military and police officials. Struggling with the growing opposition and loss of support, Marcos fled the Philippines and sought exile in Hawaii. Aquino was then sworn in as the new president, marking the restoration of democracy and balance of peace. She accomplished a multitude of remarkable achievements, leaving an indelible mark on the country and the world. For example, Aquino appointed a commission to write a new constitution for the Philippines and restore the bicameral Congress that Marcos abolished in 1973. She additionally held elections to the new Congress and broke up the monopolies held by Marcos’ allies over the economy, showcasing her unwavering commitment to justice and peace.
As a young Filipino woman myself, seeing Aquino shatter traditional gender norms and transform an entire nation for the better inspires me to continue confronting adversity. Her style of leading with humility and a collaborative approach also represents the delicate winter season. Winter is often characterized by a quiet and serene strength, gracing the world with its snow and beauty. In a similar vein, Aquino exhibited calm and steadfast power throughout her presidency as she marked a turning point in the country’s history and continuously encapsulated the quiet strength often associated with winter landscapes. Winter can also be seen as a transformative period, symbolizing a fresh start and beginning of a new year. Aquino signified a fresh start for the Philippines by being a catalyst for change in the People Power Revolution and by fighting for reform. Her efforts to pick up the pieces left by past leaders depicts her ability to navigate through difficult times as well as an endurance similar to that of winter snow. Corazon Aquino’s impact has extended far beyond the Philippines as well, earning herself recognition and admiration on the global stage. Not only is her legacy a symbol of renewal and representation of winter’s quiet strength, but Aquino herself is also an inspiration to many aspiring young women who hope to achieve change in this tumultuous world.