The city held a flag-raising and wreath-laying program at the Rizal Monument, Plaza Divisoria, here on December 30, which was participated in by various government line agencies, city officials, civilian organizations, and guests. The theme for the 128th anniversary is “Rizal sa Bagong Pilipinas: Buhay at Aral, Aming Nilalandas (Rizal in the New Philippines: Life and Lessons, Our Guide).”
City Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas, representing Mayor Rolando A. Uy, spoke about the significance of the commemoration, saying, “We celebrate this day to honor the memory of our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. When he was shot at Bagumbayan, now Luneta Park, on December 30, 1896. And the reason for his death was because he was brave and stubborn enough to denounce and expose the exploitation and abuses suffered by the Filipinos under Spanish rule.”
He underscored the significance of maintaining a serious demeanor and possessing the moral integrity to uphold one’s words. The councilor also encouraged the youth and adults alike to become everyday heroes by doing simple acts such as properly disposing of garbage and following traffic rules.
“Let us remember Rizal because amid the confusion and disinformation and leaders with shady principles, Rizal’s memory is our banner call to dream of a good government,” Cabanlas said.For his part, City Historical and Cultural Commission Chairperson Nicolas Aca, Jr. commemorated Rizal in a short speech.Aca narrated Rizal’s road to martyrdom, “Si Dr. Jose Rizal kanunay nakigbisog alang sa husto ug patas nga pagmando sa kagamhanan. Iyang gibutyag sa katawhan ang korapsyon ug abuso sa mga naa sa poder ngadto sa katawhan pinaagi sa iyang gipanulat.”
(Dr. Jose Rizal consistently advocated for just and fair governance. He exposed, to the people, the corruption and abuses of those in power through his writings.)
He also recounted Rizal’s sacrifices for a better Philippines, which included leaving his family and loved ones to ensure their safety during his pursuit by the Spanish authorities.
Aca stated that during his exile in Dapitan, Rizal built a school, constructed an irrigation system for farmers, and established an ophthalmology clinic. In this clinic, Rizal treated two residents of Cagayan de Misamis (now Cagayan de Oro), Paz Corrales and Josefina “Inday” Roa, who was the aunt of former Mayor Pedro “Oloy” Neri Roa, Sr.
He went on to say that Rizal’s eventual martyrdom ignited a revolution in which Filipinos demanded freedom and independence, which ultimately shaped the nation into what it is today.
Educator and historian Ryan Albert Ignacius Bollozos Sanchez said, “Dr. Jose Rizal symbolizes the unifying symbol of nationalism because of his peaceful advocacy as a symbol of nationalism. Today’s commemoration of Rizal’s execution, his life, and his works is a reminder of our shared Filipino identity.”
Sanchez said this helps Filipinos remember our origins as a sovereign nation and our historical values, and it is a vital recipe for forming a strong Filipino nation.
“Rizal Day is a shared national observance symbolizing unity in reverence and reminding the Filipinos of having a shared vision for a better Philippines,” said Sanchez.
He also stated that the government’s call for unity aligns with Rizal’s ideals, encouraging Filipinos to collaborate in nation-building.
“Bagong Pilipinas must prioritize accessible and quality education to produce well-informed and innovative Filipino citizens who are ready to contribute to nation-building. Rizal dreamt of a united Filipino people, going beyond regionalism and economic divide,” said Sanchez.
Further, he said Rizal emphasized the vitality of collective and shared efforts among the Filipinos to achieve a common goal for the welfare of the Philippine nation.
Sanchez encourages the youth to be like Rizal in today’s technology, where they can use digital platforms to educate and inspire not only Filipinos, but anyone around the world.
He asserted that social media and digital platforms have the potential to advance social justice, advocate for solutions to societal issues, promote Filipino culture, and even empower communities to effect positive change.
“By embodying Rizal’s values of nationalism, integrity, and service to others without counting the cost, everyone can be a modern-day hero,” he said.
The 128th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal was simultaneously observed at the Rizal National Monument at the Rizal Park in Manila, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.; the Rizal Shrine in Calamba City, Laguna; and the Rizal Shrine in Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte. (SAYU/PIA-10)
