Pinoys urged: Be catalysts of change

MANILA, Philippines — On the commemoration of the 128th anniversary of Jose Rizal’s execution yesterday, President Marcos called on Filipinos to continue to be “catalysts of change” and to “stand firm” in the face of obstacles.

Marcos – accompanied by First Lady Liza Marcos and sons, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, Simon and Vincent – led the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Rizal Monument in Manila on a rainy morning.

Top government officials, including Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil as well as members of the diplomatic community were also present.

“Truly, it is through Dr. Rizal’s works that one can realize that true change can begin within us, especially when we stand firm on the issues that we face today,” Marcos said in his message.

“Let us be bold enough to be catalysts of change and hold on to the belief that each of us can contribute to the beloved Philippines that stands on the pillars of solidarity and progress,” he said.

Rizal’s vision of a “just” and “forward-thinking” society is no less alive today than it was more than a century after his martyrdom, the President said.

The Chief Executive urged Filipinos to embrace the national hero’s ideals and continue his work whether in service to communities, in pursuit of knowledge or in uplifting the marginalized.

“As we remember his noble works and honorable life, let us take to heart his words and ideals that awakened the consciousness of our forebears and stirred a national movement for freedom,” Marcos said.

“I call on my fellow Filipinos to look back in pride and embody all the things he cherished – love of country, dedication to the truth and commitment to the betterment of our people,” he said.

Rizal’s famous novels “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” awakened the minds of Filipinos, leading to the revolution against the Spanish colonizers. He was executed in the Bagumbayan field, renamed Rizal Park in his honor.

As part of Rizal Day commemoration, Marcos attended a gift-giving event at the Open Air Auditorium in the Rizal Park. He was accompanied by his son Sandro.

Rizal Day is a regular holiday in the Philippines.

In her Rizal Day message, Vice President Sara Duterte urged Filipinos to “remember his courage in the face of oppression.”

Duterte, who is hounded by controversy, said the trials and tribulations Rizal faced should remind everyone that truth and justice always prevail over darkness.

“Today, as we commemorate the life of Jose Rizal, let us remember his courage in the face of oppression,” the Vice President said.

“His ordeal reminds us that even in the darkest of times, the light of truth and justice can prevail,” she added.

She also asked Filipinos to work together towards “towards a more just, equal and truly free Philippines.”

Speaker Martin Romualdez called on Filipinos to be mindful of the sacrifices of Rizal.“On this day, let us not only remember Rizal’s sacrifice but also strive to embody his ideals. Let us serve as light to each other where unity and harmony can be achieved and where prosperity can be a fruitful harvest in the future,” he said.

The leader of the 312-member House of Representatives also said it is his wish that the country would always look up to Rizal as its guiding light.

“True love for our country can be shown not just in words, but most especially in actions – towards the move to provide a better and progressive future for the country,” the Leyte first district congressman added.

He noted that Rizal’s heroism can “live on in every Filipino who works tirelessly to uplift our nation.”

“Whether in the fields of education, science, governance or public service, we can see how Rizal’s heroism has influenced every Filipino who serves for the betterment of everyone,” the Speaker stressed.

“Rizal’s vision of a nation that values education, equality and freedom is the guiding light of our legislative agenda,” he added.

“His ideals of patriotism, courage and commitment to the people continue to inspire and guide us as we navigate the challenges of our time,” he said. — Delon Porcalla, Neil Jayson Servallos, Mark Ernest Villeza, Ramon Lazaro