RIZAL DAY CELEBRATION

SIMPLE but meaningful celebrations were held around the province on December 30 in observance of the 1117th death anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero.

In Dagupan City, public officials underscored the role of the young in nation-building as advocated by Rizal.

The Rizal Day program was led by Mayor Belen Fernandez, City Schools Division Superintendent  Gloria Torres and lawyer Liberato Reyna Jr., chairman of the Dagupan City Fiesta, which incorporated  Rizal Day this year under the theme “Rizalismo: Sandigan ng Kaunlaran Pagkakaisa at Kapayapaan“.

CHALLENGE

Regional Trial Court Judge Genoveva Coching Maramba, who addressed the gathering, challenged Dagupeños, especially the government officials and employees, to emulate Rizal by being truthful and honest.

“If truth shall set us free, how many of us here are still prisoners?”  asked Maramba.

The lady judge stressed that it is not enough to commemorate the nationalism and martyrdom of Rizal by the mere raising of the Philippine national flag and the wreath-laying at the foot of his monument.

“As we go back to our respective stations and our respective works, why shall we not ask ourselves: Am I willing to lead a respectable life embodying the heroism and qualities of Rizal in order to contribute meaningfully to the progress of my country and community?” she said.

“It is my belief that the Filipinos are born to be heroes. There is Rizal in each of us,” Maramba concluded.

Meanwhile, Torres said Rizal was chosen as the national hero not only because of his heroism and martyrdom but because his life and deeds can inspire the youth to be “heroes in their own little ways.”

“Times have changed, we can be heroes without being killed,” she said during the commemoration rites at the Rizal Shrine near the city plaza.

Mayor Fernandez also stressed that the young, when taught the right values, play a crucial role in development.

“Public servants should emulate the values and teachings of Rizal that will move the youth in building a better nation,” said Fernandez.

BINMALEY

In the town of Binmaley, the Philippine flag was raised at 7 a.m. with the singing of the national anthem, followed by a floral offering at the Rizal monument.

Lawyer Armenio Escat, Jr., municipal administrator, called on the crowd to draw inspiration from the non-violent struggles of Rizal.

“Like our national hero, let us promote peaceful means to achieve our ends,” he said during the short program held in front of the Binmaley municipal hall.

Councilor Violeta Salazar, meanwhile, urged the parents to educate their children on the significance of Rizal Day.

“Inculcate to the young people that on December 30, Rizal died for his countrymen and for the nation to enjoy its independence,” she said.

Public and private institutions are required under Republic Act 229 to lower the Philippine flag to half mast every December 30. The law also  prohibits cockfighting, horse racing, and Jai Alai games on this day.— LVM with report from PI/AMM

Back to Homepage

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments