Duterte calls for keeping embers of nationalism alive
President Rodrigo Duterte urged the public to “keep the embers of nationalism alive” and to “triumph over” apathy and divisiveness as he led the observance of Rizal Day yesterday morning.
The president led the commemorative rites in Davao City of Jose Rizal’s martyrdom. He and his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, were present during the wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Park in the city.
“Today is an important day to commemorate and honour Dr Jose P Rizal whose life and legacy have inspired countless others to dedicate their lives to serve the nation,” Duterte said during the commemorative rites. “Rizal’s ardent love of country and unfettered desire to cultivate not only his intellect, but also the intelligence of his countrymen have led to a reawakening of the Filipinos’ patriotism and sense of responsibility,” he added.
It has been 123 years since Rizal was executed by firing squad at the Luneta de Bagumbayan (now Rizal Park in Manila) in 1896, after a Spanish court martial convicted him of sedition and sentenced him to death. The Philippines was then a colony of Spain. In 1898, independence was proclaimed.
“May his shining example to always think of the greater good be emulated by generations of our youth who look up to him today. May the freedom we now enjoy as a people be cherished, be further fortified and be kept thriving through the solidarity that we show in combatting the ills of illegal drugs, corruption and criminality,” the president said.
“Together, let us strengthen and protect our liberty that our heroes have so unselfishly shed their blood for,” he added
Rizal, an ophthalmologist by profession, wrote, among others, two novels during his lifetime: the Noli Me Tangere and its sequel El Filibusterismo.
Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni’ Robredo also extolled Rizal.
“Through his literature, Rizal opened our eyes to the ills of society that hindered our progress — some of which we continue to face in the present time. He bravely fought for our rights, with the belief that we could only attain genuine change for all, if we remain true to our convictions,” she said. “At this time, that we are tested as a nation by many challenges, let us remember and bring to life Rizal’s zeal in pushing for reforms in our country and equality of every Filipino,” she added.