EDITORIAL - Memorial to Rizal

Flags fly at half-mast today as the nation marks 117 years since national hero Jose Rizal died for his country. This year’s commemoration is special as it also marks the centennial of the Rizal Monument, built on what was called Bagumbayan Field where he was executed.

A giant flag now flutters atop a new flagpole in front of the monument, built as the tomb of the ophthalmologist whose novels inspired a revolution and led to his arrest and death. The life of Rizal has been recognized in many countries, where markers have been placed in buildings where he lived. A replica of the Rizal Monument stands in the Spanish capital Madrid. Some neighbors of the Philippines consider Rizal an exemplary Asian, an early advocate of non-violent protest and a firm believer in the value of a good education.

Rizal was a global citizen long before the phrase was coined, and he hoped his compatriots could develop the same worldview through education. He gave the Philippine struggle for self-rule a global perspective, believing that international support for a people’s aspirations for freedom would work better than armed revolution.

He did not live to see the revolution push through, inspired by his execution. And he did not live to see Spain replaced by an emerging superpower as the Philippines’ colonial ruler. But Rizal’s ideals live on, through his novels and other writings that speak to Filipinos about achieving their full potential and building a strong nation. Rizal’s monument, 100 years old today, should help ensure that his legacy will not be forgotten.