PRESS RELEASE: JRIG, NCAF launch the President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino Memorial Forum on Women in Leadership
IN PHOTOS (L-R): Rappler Editor-at-Large Ms. Marites Vitug, Dinagat Islands Rep. Cong. Kaka Bag-ao, Magallanes, Cavite Vice Mayor Aina Mari Sisante-Maligalig, and former PCSO Chair Ms. Margie Juico during their panel at the PCCA Memorial Forum
MANILA CITY, PHILIPPINES — 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 Thursday, October 16.
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.
“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 Aquino.
Dr. Francisco Magno, Director of 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.
IN PHOTOS (L-R): NCAF Director Mr. Kiko Aquino Dee and JRiG Director Dr. Francisco Magno during the certificate awarding of the PCCA Memorial Forum.
For the inaugural forum, the NCAF and 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.
Students from political science and other programs attended and participated in the event through the question and answer segment. Also present in the forum are NCAF executives, staffs, and trustees such as Executive Director Francis "Kiko" Dee, former DOTC and DPWH Secretary Jose "Ping" de Jesus, former Tourism Secterary Narzalina Lim, cabinet members of late-President Cory and Benigno Aquino III, and representatives from the Yellow Ribbon Movement.
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.
This PCCA Forum is part of De La Salle University's commitment to championing gender equality, peaceful, just, and strong institutions, and building strong partnerships across the public and private divide.