MANILA, Philippines - Supporters of the late President Corazon Aquino paid tribute to the icon of democracy on Saturday with "Cory sa Luneta" a giant photo mosaic.

"The dream unfolded before us today will be a fruit of a labor of love," says Deedee Siytangco, her former spokesperson and a leader of the Cory Veterans. "Sa iyo Tita Cory, salamat po sa inyo at kay Ninoy sa paggabay at wastong pagpapalaki ng mga anak niyo, lalo na yung kaisa isang anak na lalaki, na siya naming minamahal na Pangulo ngayon."

President Benigno Aquino III led the ceremonial unfurling of the photo mosaic at the Quirino Grandstand as part of the commemoration of the first death anniversary of his late mother.

Measuring 250 by 200 feet, the giant photo mosaic includes 3,200 photos taken during President Cory's term.

The project, estimated at P2 million, was funded and conceptualized by private sponsors, including the Cory Veterans group and Aquino relatives.
 
They hope the project will set a new world record for the biggest photo mosaic.

In his speech, President Aquino thanked the event organizers for the tribute.

He remembered the Filipinos' outpouring of love upon his mother's passing, and the role all Filipinos have in achieving their shared dream.

"During our final goodbye, when the nation joined us, it was an expression of tremendous love we did not expect. Beyond expressing sympathy, it was a resurgence of hope and a realization that each of us has a role in alleviating our common burden," Aquino said. "This mosaic of photographs is a symbol of that hope. The real challenge, however, is in making Cory Aquino's example and legacy part of our daily lives."

In paying tribute to the memory of his late mother, the President recalled her counsel on doing what's best for the country.

"I remember her best for what she taught me when she said I could not live with myself knowing that I could have done something and I chose not to. That lesson about conviction was critical in my decision to run for the presidency. The burden that she once carried is now upon me. She managed to overcome it with the help of the people. I hope and pray that you will also be by my side so that the change that we committed to work on together will soon become a reality."

Unfurled as part of commemorative activities for Mrs. Aquino's first death anniversary, the giant Cory photo mosaic will remain at the grandstand for 7 days for the public to see.