The Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF), in partnership with the De La Salle University – Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance (DLSU–JRIG), launched the President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino Forum on Women in Leadership on Oct. 16, 2025.
Held as a tribute to the country’s democracy icon, the PCCA Forum on Women in Leadership aims to inspire and empower women leaders through the enduring example of President Cory’s courage, integrity, and faith during one of the most challenging chapters in the nation’s history.
Kiko Aquino Dee, NCAF executive director and grandson of the late President Cory Aquino
“Lola Cory faced many challenges as a woman candidate and as our first woman president. This memorial forum series is about seeing how these challenges have changed or persisted for women leaders today,” said Kiko Aquino Dee, NCAF executive director and grandson of President Cory Aquino.
Dr. Francisco Magno, director of DLSU JRIG
Dr. Francisco Magno, director of DLSU–JRIG, underscored the importance of the partnership between the university and NCAF in cultivating leadership values rooted in service and integrity. The PCCA Forum on Women in Leadership will be an annual event.
“President Cory’s leadership was historic, but more than that—it was transformative. Her example continues to inspire our work at the Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance, where we strive to nurture ethical, people-centered, and inclusive leaders—especially women and the youth—who will carry forward the unfinished work of democratic transformation,” said Dr. Magno.
For the inaugural forum, the NCAF and DLSU–JRIG featured a distinguished panel of women leaders who have demonstrated courage, tenacity, and compassion in advancing good governance and social change:
Margie Penson Juico—Former Appointments Secretary of President Cory Aquino (1986–1992) and former chairperson of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). After President Aquino stepped down, she continued to serve as her special assistant in carrying forward advocacies on faith, people empowerment, and social justice.
Heidi Mendoza—Former commissioner of the Commission on Audit (COA) and 2025 senatorial candidate, whose strong showing in the elections, achieved through volunteerism and modest resources, has inspired renewed faith in the Filipino voter’s discernment. A steadfast advocate of transparency, accountability, and good governance.
Kaka Bag-ao—Incumbent representative of Dinagat Islands; alternative lawyer and advocate for social justice. She was elected to Congress, first as Akbayan Party-List Representative in 2010, then as Representative of Dinagat Islands for two terms in 2013 and 2016. She authored landmark measures such as the Reproductive Health Act, Expanded Maternity Leave Law, and Safe Spaces Law, among others. She served as governor of Dinagat Islands from 2019 to 2022, where she led participatory programs empowering farmers, fisherfolk, and women.
Aina Mari Sisante Maligalig—Incumbent vice mayor of Magallanes, Cavite; an educator by profession who also served as municipal councilor for three consecutive terms. Throughout her years in office, Vice Mayor Aina has championed policies that promote good governance, effective pandemic response, social welfare, and gender and development.
The discussion was moderated by veteran journalist and author Marites Dañguilan Vitug, whose decades-long work in political and investigative reporting has chronicled the nation’s continuing struggle for democracy and justice. Mendoza joined the forum online.
“People everywhere today yearn for leaders with integrity. Despite the unique challenges that they face, women in the Philippines and around the world have done more than their fair share to fill that gap. May this memorial forum in Lola Cory’s name become a regular space for women from all walks of life to celebrate our victories and learn from each other as we make the world a fairer and better place,” Jia Aquino Dee, President Cory’s granddaughter, said in a video message.
The NCAF promotes and preserves the legacies of Ninoy, Cory, and Noynoy Aquino in leadership, democracy, and the defense of freedom. The effort takes shape through a series of annual memorial fora, each named in honor of the three Aquinos.
In November last year, UP Manila hosted the Ninoy Aquino Memorial Forum titled Ninoy Aquino, Area Studies, and Philippine Foreign Relations.
To mark the 4th death anniversary of President Benigno S. Aquino III last June 24, the NCAF and the Ateneo School of Government launched the President Benigno Simeon Aquino III Memorial Lecture on Leadership and Democracy, featuring Mamamayang Liberal partylist Representative Leila de Lima.
In her lecture, De Lima reflected on PNoy’s steadfast defense of Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, a legacy she witnessed firsthand as his Justice Secretary.
