‘Like Rizal, SEAG champs are heroes’

BAGUIO CITY — President Arroyo feted yesterday the gold medalists of the recently-concluded 23rd Southeast Asian Games from Cordillera as she called on the youth to emulate these sports winners for being heroes of the country.

The President said this as she led the nationwide commemoration of the 109th death anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero.

"This is the day when we hope our youth will remember the values that Rizal died for and the message that he gave to the Filipino youth," the President told reporters in an ambush interview.

 She said she gave recognition to the athletes during Rizal Day as they could be perfect models for the young people.

 "We’re very happy that the Southeast Asian Games gave the Filipino not only a boost in our collective moral but also because it gave the opportunity for many in the underprivileged community to shine and we hope that they continue to do so," the President said.

The eight SEAG gold medalists who participated in the Rizal Day commemoration were Rhea Mae Rifani, Benjie Rivera, Edward Folayang  and Rexel Nganghayna, wushu; Jouveliet Chalem, boxing; Helen Dawa, judo; Christabel Martes, marathon; and Nelson Pacalso, karate-do.

They said they were elated with the decision of the President to include them in Rizal Day rites and again express support for their training for the coming competitions.

"We need to involve the youth in sports to keep them away from vices," Rifani said.

Martes said the President invited them for a dinner last night and reiterated her regard for them as new heroes of the country.

The President was escorted to the Rizal Day rites by First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, whose efforts significantly helped Filipino athletes in their campaign for honors and glory for the flag during the recent SEAG.

Rizal’s execution by Spanish colonial authorities by firing squad at the Luneta or Bagumbayan on Dec. 30, 1896 triggered the Philippine revolution and the proclamation of independence from Spain in 1898.

The President led the commemorative rites at the Rizal monument near Burnham Park here. The local commemoration of Rizal’s death anniversary, which was replicated in various regional capitals, principal cities and towns nationwide, was highlighted by the raising of the Philippine flag at 7 a.m. by the President, who was assisted by the eight SEAG medalists.

Local Rizalistas and war veterans joined the President in the rites.