ILOILO CITY (PIA) – The Iloilo City government, together with the Philippine National Police (PNP), educators, youth, and other socio-civic organizations gathered at Plaza Libertad on December 30, 2024 to commemorate the 128th anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom.
The event, anchored to the theme, “RIZAL SA BAGONG PILIPINAS: Buhay at Aral, Aming Nilalandas,” highlights how Rizal’s acts of heroism and the lessons of hardship in the past fuel the country’s growth through the huge potential of the youth.
Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 director Brigadier General Jack Wanky, who served as this year’s guest of honor, stressed the vital role of the youth in nation-building and emphasized how public servants bear the responsibility of creating safe spaces and protecting the youth so that they can live up to the expectations set by the national hero.
“We too, like Rizal, must clearly see the indispensable role of the Filipino youth in the realization of Bagong Pilipinas, and here in the region, we are putting premium on efforts to protect our youth,” Wanky said.
Aside from providing safe spaces for the youth through the Batang Pandilla Project, which aims to deter gangs, fraternities and other youth groups from violence, and other youth-focused initiatives, the PRO-6 stressed the need to protect the youth from the threats of illegal drugs.
Wanky stressed that illegal drugs do not only kill dreams and destroy lives, as it also breaks relationships and ruins families, putting the youth at the losing end of it.
“It is why we hold our ground against the threats of illegal drugs. We have increased our numbers of police operations and improved our strategies to deny drug traders the opportunity to market their contrabands in our area of responsibility,” he also said.
Wanky also cited the need to provide the youth with a “loving home” where they are first empowered and protected to live up to their potential.
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, who represented Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, reminded everyone that the public hold the power to create positive change and that commemorating Rizal’s selfless acts for the country is everyone’s responsibility.
“May his sacrifice ignite our passion for nation-building. Let us ask ourselves how we, in our own capacities, can serve with dedication,” Ganzon said, challenging public servants to embody the principles our national hero lived by.
Aside from the messages from Wanky and Ganzon, the program featured Flag Raising Ceremony, Wreath Laying, Volley Fire/Taps, and Floral Offering at the Jose Rizal Monument in Plaza Libertad. (AAL/JNH/PIA Iloilo)
