MANILA-I join the world in mourning the passing of Nelson Mandela, a true icon of peace and freedom.
Although faced with adversity, Mandela personified temperance and compassion, the same virtues that would propel him to become the father of modern South Africa.
Even behind bars, he sought to see his people freed from the fetters not just of racism, but also of poverty, unemployment, and social discord, the other trappings of apartheid.
As South Africa’s first black President, Mandela ensured that reconciliation, not retribution, was the tone of the reparation efforts, a path littered with significant challenges.
Mandela once said, “There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountain tops of our desires.”
His life exemplifies how patience, hard work and unwavering commitment are essential to achieving one’s utmost vision.
This is the greatest legacy he leaves the world, a lesson which our newly elected officials must imbibe into their public service.
Mandela's death marks a truly sad moment in the history of the world, one definitely made better because of his example.
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