She was born in Paniqui, Tarlac (the Philippines) in January of 1933 into an ethnically diverse family. After finishing grade school, she was sent overseas to study in the United States. Completing preparatory school in Philadelphia, she attended the College of Mount Saint Vincent in New York where she received a degree in French language and mathematics. Upon returning to the Philippines, she studied law at the Far Eastern University. She married Benigno Aquino Jr. Progressing from mayor of Concepcion at the age of 22; Benigno Aquino Jr. rose to governor and then senator. Due to his liberal affiliations (the Liberal Party of the Philippines), he was arrested, sentenced to death and exiled by the Marcos Regime. Mrs. Aquino followed her husband into exile in the United States for a period of three years. Upon their return to the Philippines, Mr. Aquino was assassinated on the tarmac of the Manila International Airport. In the last week of November 1985, President Marcos shocked the nation by announcing a snap presidential election. A prominent businessman initiated the instantly popular “Cory Aquino for President Campaign”. Initially convinced to run as vice-president, overwhelming support placed her in the presidential position. Although officially losing the election to Marcos, rampant electoral fraud was reported. In a massive display of public unrest, Marcos was forced into exile. Despite the euphoria following the overthrow of the Marcos government, Mrs. Aquino now faced the challenge of restoring the nation. She has drawn international praise for her support of democracy, and was selected as Time Magazine’s Woman of the Year in 1986. Due to all of her impressive accomplishments, including her standing as Asia’s first female President, LI considers itself privileged to bestow upon her 1987’s Prize for Freedom.

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