Corazon Aquino

World Famous People

Corazon Aquino

Ninoy Aquino (her father)

Kris Aquino (her daughter)

Biography or Wiki of Corazon Aquino (1933-2009): Maria Corazon “Cory” Cojuangco Aquino was a President of the Philippines and a world-renowned advocate of democracy, peace, women’s empowerment, and religious piety. She served as the 11th president of the Philippines from 1986 to 1992. She was the first female president of the Philippines and was Asia’s first female president.

Corazon Aquino Dies at 76

A self-proclaimed “plain housewife”, Aquino was married to Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. (1932–1983), a leading figure in the political opposition against the autocratic rule of President Ferdinand Marcos. After her husband was assassinated upon his return from exile in the United States on August 21, 1983, Aquino, who had no prior political experience, became a focal point and unifying force of the opposition against Marcos. She was drafted to run against Marcos in the 1986 snap presidential elections. After Marcos was proclaimed the winner despite widespread reports of electoral fraud, Aquino was installed as President by the peaceful 1986 People Power Revolution.

WIC Biography of Corazon Aquino: President of the Republic of the Philippines since February 25, 1986, Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, has experienced praise and faced adversity with courage and directness.

Two and one half years after her husband’s assassination on August 21, 1983, this politically inexperienced homemaker and mother of four daughters and one son, took the reins of one of the world’s most volatile nations. What is even more impressive, she has maintained her power and fortitude despite several attempts to take away her leadership.

Cory Aquino received her education at the Assumption Convent in the Philippines, Ravenhill Academy in Philadelphia, Notre Dame Convent School in New York, College of Mount Saint Vincent in New York and Far Eastern University in the Philippines.

Her honorary degrees include Doctor of Humane Letters, College of Mount Saint Vincent (NY), Ateneo de Manila University and Xavier University (Philippines), Doctor of Laws from University of the Philippines, and Honoris Causa, Boston University, Fordham University, Waseda University (Tokyo), Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas (Manila), as well as Doctor of Humanities, Stonehill College in Massachusetts.

President Aquino’s awards and distinctions are numerous, some include: Woman of the Year, Time magazine, the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award, the United Nations Silver Medal, and the Canadian International Prize for Freedom.

It is with great pride that Women’s International Center honors the perseverance and dedication of Corazon Aquino with the International Leadership Living Legacy Award.