P-Noy confers Legion of Honor on Ayala

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino conferred on Saturday the Legion of Honor with rank of Chief Commander on the late banana magnate and industrialist Jesus Ayala for his contribution to the restoration of the democratic process and the economic development in the country.

Ayala’s ashes were brought by his family to Manila for the necrological service last Saturday night at the Ateneo de Manila Serendra Garden Chapel which was also attended by Aquino himself.

“Tito Chito (Ayala) had done so much for the country and all his contributions were carried out with integrity, courage and deepest commitment,” Aquino said.

The President sought Ayala’s blessing before he decided to run for president in the 2010 elections as he (Ayala) was also a close adviser of his late mother, former President Corazon Aquino.

Ayala was a leader of the Yellow Friday Movement in Southern Mindanao that also helped pave the way for the fall of the Marcos dictatorship.

The President cited Ayala’s contribution to the country, including the more than 20 years he was in government service as a member of the Monetary Board, presidential legislative liaison, presidential representative to the Davao region, and chairman of the Davao Integrated Development Program and the Regional Development Council XI.

“He (Ayala) demonstrated an abiding social economic development in the Philippine countryside,” the President said.

The Legion of Honor was received by Ayala’s family led by his eldest son Mike, who flew in from Davao where the Ayalas are based.

The necrological service was also attended by former Cabinet members of the President’s late mother, including former senator Rene Saguisag, Philip Juico, Linggoy Alcuaz, and former prime minister Cesar Virata.

Former Vice President Teofisto Guingona also joined the more than 400 people at the service at the Ateneo de Manila High School.