VP Sara: Rizal's legacy 'a guiding light' for Filipinos

Vice President Sara Duterte paid tribute to Jose Rizal on Saturday, saying that the national hero continues to be a guiding light for all Filipinos and an inspiration to the youth.

"Our national hero was a visionary, a man of immense courage and intellect who believed in the power of knowledge to ignite change. His relentless pursuit of education and enlightenment set the stage for his pivotal role in our nation's history," Duterte said in a statement.

"Today, Rizal's legacy serves as a guiding light for all Filipinos. His unwavering love for our country, his fervent desire for freedom, and his commitment to justice resonate deeply with us," she continued.

She also reminded Filipinos of their duty to uphold Rizal's values and to work tirelessly for the rights and dignity of those marginalized and underrepresented.

Duterte, who is also the current Education Secretary, also encouraged the youth to follow Rizal's passion to gain knowledge.

"To the Filipino youth, Rizal's values are an everlasting wellspring of inspiration. His curiosity and passion for knowledge serve as a beacon, showing us the path towards a brighter future. Let us honor his memory by nurturing our own hunger for knowledge and becoming the leaders who will carry our nation forward."

The Vice President then urged Filipinos not to confine the national hero's legacy to history books.

"Rizal's life was a testament to the power of courage in the face of adversity," she said.

"Let this Rizal Day inspire every Filipino to rise above challenges, become catalysts for personal growth and development, and remind one another that we possess the capacity to build and restore our nation. Let us transcend our differences and unite for a progressive, resilient, and inclusive Philippines," Duterte said.

'Eternal flame'

House Speaker Martin Romualdez, meanwhile, described Rizal's legacy as "an eternal flame in the heart of our nation."

"Let us remember that Rizal was more than a historical figure; he was a symbol of hope and the epitome of what it means to love one's country. His bravery in opposing colonial tyranny and his profound affection for the Philippines remain as vital inspirations to us all," Romualdez said.

Romualdez urged Filipinos to live by Rizal's ideals, especially now that the country's sovereignty and national identity are facing new challenges. He also called on Filipinos to embrace Rizal's spirit in their everyday actions.

"This Rizal Day, let's renew our commitment to the values he stood for: patriotism, bravery, and an unwavering love for the Filipino people," said Romualdez.

Senate President Miguel Zubiri also urged Filipinos to follow Rizal's love for the country.

"Ngayong Rizal Day, alalahanin natin ang buong-pusong pagmamahal ni Dr. Jose Rizal sa ating bayan, at kung paano niya ibinigay ang kanyang buhay para sa ating kalayaan," Zubiri said in his message.

(This Rizal Day, let's remember the wholehearted love of Dr. Jose Rizal for our country and how he gave his life for our freedom.)

"Ipagpatuloy po natin ang kanyang laban at huwag nating hayaang mauwi sa wala ang kanyang sakripisyo. Magkaisa tayo sa pagmamahal at sa pagtatanggol ng ating bayan at ng ating mga kapwa Pilipino," Zubiri added.

(Let's continue his fight and let us not let his sacrifice go in vain. Let us be united in the love and defense of our country and our fellow Filipinos.)

The country marked the 127th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal on Saturday, December 30.

Rizal, an ophthalmologist by profession, wrote the novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo as he advocated for political reforms during the Spanish occupation.

He was convicted for the crime of rebellion and was executed in Bagumbayan (now Rizal Park or Luneta) on December 30, 1896.  —Jamil Santos/ VAL, GMA Integrated News