Rizal Day reminder: We still have lots of problems

CEBU, Philippines – As Cebu City commemorated the 120th anniversary of the death of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal in a flower offering ceremony yesterday at Plaza Sugbo, Acting Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella reminded the people of the problems the country is facing today.

"We have very serious challenges and social problems in our midst," he said, citing the political and social imbalance in the country, with the many having so little, and only a few having "too much of the good things in life".

Labella said public officials should find a way to address this issue.

"Let us look at this social concern," he said, adding that the culture of corruption has become deeply rooted in the three branches of government he was sure Rizal would not be happy about it.

"Kay tingali si Rizal og buhi pa karon mobadlong gyud to siya nga kagrabe ba sa corruption," Labella said.

Labella reminded that problems such as cybersex and illegal drugs are some of the challenges the country has to address so the death of Rizal would not be in vain.

"Today, we are now breathing the air of freedom and democracy; thanks to Dr. Jose P. Rizal and the other heroes," he said.

He thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for his "sincere and relentless drive against illegal drugs, criminality ug kining usahay sobrang pamulitika".

Rudolph Paqueo, commissioner of the Cebu Council of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, said it is important to celebrate Rizal Day so the spirit of the heroism of Dr. Jose Rizal would remain.

He said this is also to put love of country in the minds of the youth, especially with the social ills like corruption and illegal drugs confronting them today.

"Angay nga atong mga Pilipino masunod gyud nila ang mga mithi ni Dr. Jose Rizal, nga…sa pagmahal niya sa nasod iyang kinabuhi gihalad aron maabot nato ang (pagka) gawasnon," Paqueo said. —/ RHM (FREEMAN)