MALACANANG, Philippines – President Benigno S. Aquino III, in his Rizal Day message, called on the Filipino people to become heroes in their own way and reaffirm their commitment to the righteous path agenda that he champions for the common good.
“May we all be inspired by Dr. Jose Rizal’s courage and intelligence, his sense of duty, hunger for knowledge, passion for reform, and undying love of country,” the President said in his message released on Tuesday.
“Let us all be heroes in our own way, and reaffirm our commitment to the Daang Matuwid. Only by traversing this road towards fairness and progress can we translate our dreams into tangible realities for our people.”
President Aquino reminded the people about Rizal’s hard work and his sacrifices that contributed to the building of the nation and the kind of country that it is today.
Every year, he said, the country celebrates Rizal Day to reflect on Rizal’s sacrifice to free the Philippines from the shackles of abuse and inequality during the colonial years under Spain.
He said that through Rizal’s writings and deeds, the country’s forefathers became a braver, more united citizenry, “both capable and determined to win the liberties we now enjoy”.
“Dr. Jose Rizal worked hard to pursue our independence, serving as a catalyst for change; his works remain relevant to this day, a reminder of a past when freedom seemed beyond our reach,” the President said.
“Let us remember him on this occasion, along with other heroes who shared their strength and vision to make the Philippines the nation it is today.”
President Aquino is set to lead the commemoration of the national hero’s 119th death anniversary and martyrdom on Wednesday.
December 30 has been declared by the government as a regular holiday throughout the country in observance of Rizal Day.
Pres. Aquino encourages Filipinos to be heroes in their own way in Rizal Day message
