CITY OF MALOLOS – Reinforcing Bulacan’s commitment to preserving the nation’s rich historical heritage and honoring a hero whose vision helped shape the Filipino nation, Governor Daniel R. Fernando reaffirmed Dr. Jose Rizal’s legacy of patriotism during the commemoration of the 165th Birth Anniversary of our national hero at the Dambanang Casa Real in this city yesterday, along with former President of the Philippines and now 2nd District Representative of Pampanga Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and other distinguished guests.
He encouraged the Bulakenyos to reflect on the enduring relevance of Rizal’s ideals and said that true to his unwavering patriotism, in the present day, Rizal would never allow misinformation to prevail over truth and neither would he remain silent in the face of the many social issues that hinder the country’s progress.
”Mahigit isang siglo na po ang lumipas matapos ialay ni Rizal ang kanyang talino at buhay para sa bayan, ngunit hanggang ngayon nananatiling buhay at makabuluhan ang kanyang mga aral at legasiya,” the governor said.
He also added that while the challenges of today’s generation may differ from those during Rizal’s time, the values needed to overcome them remain the same.
“Gawin natin siyang inspirasyon sa ating pagpapasya ngayon at gabay sa ating pagharap sa kinabukasan,” he added.
Meanwhile, Macapagal-Arroyo emphasized that Rizal’s vision of the nation-building remains as relevant today as it was during his lifetime.
“Madalas nating naririnig na ang kabataan ay ang pag-asa ng bayan. Para sa kanya, ang tunay na lakas ng isang bansa ay nasa mamamayan na may kaalaman at kakayahang mag-isip nang malaya,” Macapagal-Arroyo said.
She likewise reminded everyone that Rizal’s greatest victories were achieved through peaceful means and powerful ideas rather than violence. She also noted that the values and lessons that Rizal imparted continue to serve as a guiding light for Filipinos in addressing the challenges of the present.
“Sa mapayapang paraan, ipinaglaban ni Rizal ang kasarinlan, ang karapatan ng bawat tao, at ang mahahalagang prinsipyo. Nawa ay ipaglaban din natin ang mga naging prinsipyo ni Rizal hanggang sa araw na ito,” she added.
The commemoration, organized by the City Government of Malolos, in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the Provincial Government of Bulacan, and the Knights of Rizal, gathered other Bulacan government officials, civic organizations, educators, and students in paying tribute to the country’s national hero. (UnliNews Online)
