UN info center, PH Senate pay tribute to Mandela

This picture taken on August 28, 2007 shows former South African President Nelson Mandela waving to the media as he arrives outside 10 Downing Street, in central London. AFP PHOTO / LEON NEAL

MANILA, Philippines — The United Nations Information Center Manila and the Philippine Senate on Wednesday paid a tribute to former South African  President Nelson Mandela by holding an exhibit in the chamber, showcasing  some of his famous words of wisdom.

The exhibit entitled, “In his words: A salute to Nelson Mandela” was attended by some senators, including Senate President Franklin Drilon.

Drilon, in his speech during the event, described Mandela as a “man who is larger than life.”

“Nelson Mandela is a symbol of honor, peace, courage and magnanimity. He has lived an amazing life. A life marked by global admiration and peppered with daunting personal challenges, as well as, struggles to balance his advocacies and his obligations to his family and community,” he said.

Drilon said Mandela was an icon of peace “held in high esteem all over the world.”

“Today, the Senate of the Philippines proudly joins the world in celebrating the life of Nelson Mandela, an extraordinary man, living in extraordinary times,” the Senate leader added.

Neophyte Senator Cynthia Villar, who also attended the event, lauded what she described as the “life and deeds” of the former South African leader.

“He has been loved for his liberal economic policy, his former administration having introduced measures to encourage land reform, combat poverty and expand healthcare services,” Villar said in a statement.