27 August 2013 - Commemorative activities marking the 30th anniversary of the assassination of Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. took place on August 21 in New York.

A floral offering was made at the Benigno S. Aquino Triangle in Queens, New York led by Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr., Fr. Jed Sumampong, Ner Martinez of the Benigno Aquino Triangle Foundation, and representatives from the Ateneo Alumni Association of New York, Ang Agrikultura Natin, Isulong, Handang Tumulong Foundation, and the Filipino American Human Services Inc. (FAHSI).

After the flag-raising ceremony and floral offering at the memorial dedicated to the late Senator, a mass officiated by Fr. Sumanpong was held, followed by a program organized by FAHSI at the Philippine American Center also in Queens.

Consul General de Leon met Filipino community members at the Community Center event.  The program consisted of reflections on the legacy of Senator Aquino, special numbers, dances by the FAHSI Seniors’ Group, and a community singing of “Bayan Ko.”

In the evening, another Memorial Mass was offered at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel in New York.  The commemorative event was spearheaded by community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis of the US Pinoys for Good Governance.

Philippine Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York Eduardo de Vega delivered a special message on behalf of Ambassador Libran Cabactulan while the Consulate’s message was conveyed by Consul Felipe Carino representing Consul General de Leon.

The memorial mass was officiated by Rev. Dr. Joseph Marabe, JCD with Rev. Msgr. Romulo Montero and Rev. Fr. Romeo Hontiveros as concelebrants. END