OUR country officially celebrates the heroism of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal Dec. 30 of every year – the day he was martyred for the cause of freedom. This is why yesterday very few, if at all, remembered that it was Rizal’s birthday, his 159th. Can’t we also celebrate the day he was born? The birth of heroes should be a cause for celebration too, not just the day they breathed their last.
Rizal was an epitome of strength and resiliency and overcame the monumental challenges he faced as we know from our nation’s history. He drew strength from his family, his faith and his beloved nation. All of us Filipinos should follow his example, especially at this time of coronavirus pandemic. After all, time and again we have shown to possess a resilient spirit that enables us to weather challenges, even the worst economic and social conditions. Even after experiencing the worst disasters, we find reason to smile and laugh, help others even if they are victims too, and immediately go about our business, and it is something to be proud of.
Filipinos should celebrate and emulate the values and principles of Rizal, especially his nationalism. He was an unparalleled visionary whose thoughts and actions changed the landscape of our identity as Filipinos. His ideas began the revolution that earned us our freedom, and his integrity and nationalism continue to inspire new generations.
We should develop within ourselves the same fervor Rizal had. There is an inherent creative genius that lies within each and every Filipino. Everyone has the potential to grow, excel and be the pride of the nation. All that is needed is to cultivate these and gain inspiration from the noteworthy contributions of other individuals, such as our national hero.
The youth, most especially – whom Rizal described as the fair hope of the motherland – should emulate the hero’s patriotism. We encourage them to follow Rizal’s indisputable loyalty and love for the country and for our people’s heritage. The fate and future of our beloved Philippines rest upon the young.
The progress and freedom that Rizal fought for are still the very same challenges we face as we continue to strive for a strong independent nation. Instilling the love for country at an early age will inculcate the values of discipline and organization, and will impart common sense to the young generation of Filipinos.
