Defensor sisters remember Miriam on her first death anniversary
The sisters of the late senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago were present at the commemoration of her first death anniversary at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City on Friday.
Nenalyn Defensor(left) and Len Defensor(right). Photo by Carla Molina/THE FOURTH
Santiago’s younger sisters, former CHED Nenalyn Defensor and US-based physician Len Defensor, were among those who came early.
Len, who flew back to Manila to attend the commemorative ceremonies, thanked their family, friends and the youth for remembering the late senator and for initiating to hold a memorial.
“My sister would be so pleased that you guys are here, especially the youth. She loves the youth, so [when] she sees you, she's very happy,” Len said.
Santiago, tagged as the “Iron Lady of Asia,” was known for her impressive intelligence and humour. She passed away last year in her sleep at the age of 71 due to cancer.
Len reminisced and shared what she grieved for her sister, whom she was very close to regardless of their distance.
“It's not easy for me because I live in the US. So it's like when you are in the US, I always think when I come back here, she'll be here. So it's hard for me. And she and I were very close. We talked a lot. We talk on the phone every week,” she said.
“It gets better because I know she's in a better place, but it doesn't mean we don't miss her. We miss her a lot,” Len added.
Nenalyn said as well that Len was Santiago’s best friend, “She's the best friend of Senator Miriam. Every week they're chatting on the phone for hours.”
For the plans to be bestowed with the Quezon Service Cross, the country’s highest civilian award, Defensor sisters expressed their gratitude to those people who took the initiative.
According to Len, if there is anybody who deserves the award, that would be the late senator: “We are very pleased and we're very happy. She’s the only person in my mind who deserves this award.”
The Senate is pursuing to later give the Quezon Service Cross to Santiago for her 50 years of noble service to the country. (READ: http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/28/17/palace-welcomes-proposal-granting-highest-civil-service-award-for-miriam)
When asked what would be Santiago’s reaction about the award, Nenalyn said, “She’ll probably laugh. I'm sure she'll crack a joke, that's her personality.”
People who attended the memorial rites were dressed in red—the late senator’s favorite color.
“Harana for Miriam” was also held in the afternoon at the same venue. According to the organizers, love songs were played for the late senator.
