Press Release
June 1, 2017

AKBAYAN SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS' EULOGY FOR SENATOR EVA ESTRADA KALAW

We have no words for what the country has lost. Most of us remember Eva Estrada Kalaw as a distinguished Senator; history immortalizes her as a survivor of the horrific Plaza Miranda bombing, a key opposition figure who was twice imprisoned for standing up against Ferdinand Marcos' Martial Law, and a fierce advocate of social welfare, tourism and education. She is a pioneering woman of the Senate, and a shining light not just for women in the country, but for all of us. I grieve not only because a long and distinguished life has left us, I grieve because she brings a piece of our history and memory with her.

I sometimes ask myself, if she was with us right now, what would we hear from her? Where would she stand? How would she guide those of us who struggle daily with the heavy responsibility of public service? I will not pretend to speak for her. I can only thank what powers there may be for allowing me to meet her, get to know her, and learn from her example. When she attended our Women's Month Exhibit last March, she was so full of life. She smiled at the cameras, greeted all the young faces before her, and said "laban!" And all I could think at that moment was, despite all this remarkable woman has been through, she was still willing to join the fray. I can only pray that when it is our turn, we muster but half of her courage and fire.

Senator Eva Estrada Kalaw, maraming salamat po. Thank you for showing us the way. Thank you for the life you lived. You have more than earned your rest from all of this: the strife, the search and struggle. We can only hope to do you proud.

Muli, salamat at paalam, Senator Eva Estrada Kalaw. We will never forget you.

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