NAGA CITY-In recognition of the legacies of the country's two icons of democracy, the city council of Naga passed an ordinance that will name one of the city's thoroughfares as "Ninoy and Cory Avenue."
The avenue passes through the new central business district of Naga City, where the city's integrated bus terminal and coliseum stand.
"We decided to name the road after the late senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. and his widow, late former president Corazon "Cory" Cojuangco Aquino, in recognition of their contributions to the restoration of democracy," said Vice Mayor Gabriel Hidalgo Bordado.
He said although the National Historical Institute (NHI) has a guideline not allowing the naming of a public establishment or structure after a person who has just died, the city council was hopeful that the new name would be approved by the NHI "considering Cory's status.
The city council also had passed a resolution conveying condolences to the family of the late former president
Earlier, Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo said that the greatest legacy of the Aquino administration was the enactment of the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act 7160) which gave autonomy and in turn empowerment to local governments.
"It gave room for growth to local governance. It also gave protection to the aspiration of a local government, especially when the local executive is not a member of the administration party," said Robredo, referring to RA 7160.
He said the city had strong ties with the late former President. "As President, Cory had implemented projects such as water systems in the upland areas of the city."
According to him, under a government program of the Aquino administration, the city was able to construct commercial buildings along Panganiban Avenue which in turn were leased to small and medium entrepreneurs.
Masses and vigils for Cory were offered at different churches in the city. A requiem mass was held at the Christ the King Church of Ateneo de Naga University, sponsored by the university's office of the Deputy Academic Vice President.