ILOILO City – This city marked the 125th anniversary of the martyrdom of national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal on Dec. 30. Ilonggos were urged to emulate him.
“Rizal made us realize that we can put into reality what we dream for the world by starting in our own little place, in our own little way,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas.
A commemorative program was held at Plaza Libertad where the hero had a 104-year-old statue.
Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon challenged everyone to be a hero. Those who work silently making other people’s lives comfortable are heroes, he stressed, such as the pandemic frontliners.
“You are our heroes…against this modern-day aggressor, the coronavirus. Our heroes today are you, llonggos, who help one anothery,” Ganzon said.
The commemoration – themed “Rizal for Science, Truth and Life” – was highlighted by a wreath-laying and flag-raising at the monument of Rizal.
Iloilo City Schools Division Superintendent Ma. Luz De Los Reyes, keynote speaker, said: “There are so many inherent values that we can learn from the life of our great hero the reason why he is exemplary, example of nationalism and patriotism. Our hero encouraged us to work together within and outside our sphere to achieve a more common goal, a more united Ilonggos, a coherent nation.”
She said Rizal was recognized and highly appreciated for his scientific work, and treated patients mostly coming from poor families.
“In these challenging times, how inspiring it is to see Ilonggos helping one another even if our health is threatened by this deadly virus spreading around the world,” Delos Reyes said.
De Los Reyes also emphasized the desire of Rizal for the youth to become a catalyst for change and his devotion to truth.
She said that cultivating truth among young people amid the current digital world besieged with information overload, fake news, and misinformation, can be done through education.
“Through education we can nurture a nation that upholds the truth and honesty. This education is not only the learning that is provided by schools but it includes teaching nurtured at home,” she added.
De Los Reyes urged Ilonggos to be like Rizal and should not stop dreaming and working for a better world.
During the ceremony, the city government led by Mayor Jerry P. Treñas recognized Altair Mizar Emboltura, Maulyn Murielle Dominguez, and Rikka Grace Sombiro, all from the Philippine Science High School Western Visayas campus who were conferred with the 2021 Mga Bagong Rizal Award.
The national award by the Philippine Center for Gifted Education, Inc (PCGE) aims to identify, recognize and help further develop potentially gifted Filipino youth in the areas of cognition, the arts, creativity and leadership, and other multiple intelligences and foster them the mindset of commitment towards nation-building. (PNA)
