Rizal, the most educated Filipino during his time
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
NO Filipino as yet has surpassed the rare talent and qualities of the national hero, Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal, who is also being hailed as pride of the Malay race.
This was pointed out by Mayor Belen Fernandez during the observance of the 119th Rizal death anniversary held at the foot of his monument at the city plaza, attended by officials of the Department of Education, members of the Free and Accepted Masons, Knights of Rizal, members of the Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines and various civic organizations.
The guest speaker was Michael Datario, a member of the Free and Accepted Masons.
The mayor said Rizal was the most educated few in Philippine history having studied not only in the county, but also in several countries, and spoke in many languages as an accomplished linguist that was rare during those times.
“There was one aspect of Rizal’s life that I appreciate very much and this is in the area of education. This one aspect was an initiative that I pursued for our people since I started in public service,” the mayor told her audience.
Citing Rizal’s essay “Indolence of the Filipinos”, Ms. Fernandez said the national hero brought out the fact that without education and liberty, no victory or measure of result is possible, arguing that reform is possible if knowledge is available to the people, especially the children.
The mayor recalled that when she began as mayor in July 2013 and even as acting mayor, her “most fervent wish” was to see all children of Dagupan someday will be seen in school and not in the streets begging for alms and food and being used by syndicates to peddle illegal drugs.
Under her administration, the city government has set aside some P6 million to help build the dreams of 500 students to finish college so that after their graduation, they can help their families. For 2016, she said, the amount for the scholarships of these students was increased to P10 million “so that we can see them complete their studies in two more years from now”.
This is how we honor the memory of Dr. Jose Rizal whose many achievements in life serve as an inspiration to all Filipinos to strive for excellence and to love their country. This is not an easy thing to do but Rizal did it to serve an example for all generations to follow, ” the mayor said. (Leonardo Micua)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
