President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday likened healthcare workers in the frontlines against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) to national hero Jose Rizal, who was also a dedicated physician.
In his Rizal Day message, Duterte said he was inspired by healthcare workers for their “new expression of heroism” in the fight against an invisible enemy.
“Today, we see many ‘Rizals’ fighting for our people, this time against any unseen adversary — a pandemic. We have our brave front-liners who continue to serve the nation in their unique capacities notwithstanding the risks to life and limb,” he said.
He remembered Rizal for his bravery and patriotism, describing his life as one that not only needed to be celebrated but also emulated.
“He was a loving son, a good student, a dedicated physician, a passionate writer, and most especially a defender of our right to self-determination,” he said.
Duterte also cited Rizal’s “great aspirations” for the country and for using “the power of the pen” to convey sentiments against oppression and yearnings for emancipation.
“It ignited a strong sense of nationalism and revolution, he was successful. He was our hero,” he said.
Duterte, meanwhile, expressed hope that Filipinos would express love and respect for the nation and follow the examples of Rizal and other modern-day heroes.
In a separate statement, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar described Rizal as a “beacon of hope, unity, patriotism, valor, and service to the country.”
“May Dr. Rizal’s legacy continue to burn within the hearts of every Filipino, especially now as we face the challenges brought by social ills, natural disasters, and the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
He also remembered Rizal for dedicating his life not just to writing novels that influence consciousness and national identity, but also his work as a physician and a philanthropist, in service to his fellowmen.
“May we remain inspired by and continue to embody the values and principles that defined Dr. Jose Rizal — his love for our country, compassion for others, and intellectual prowess — as we collectively heal, recover, and rise as one nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also joined the nation in commemorating the 124th anniversary of Rizal’s martyrdom.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines is one with the whole Filipino nation in the peaceful and safe commemoration of Rizal Day. Your soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines and civilian human resources pay tribute to our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, who exemplifies our organization’s core values of honor, service, and patriotism,” AFP chief of staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay said in a statement.
In line with this year’s theme; “Jose Rizal: Inspirasyon sa Pagbangon at Paghilom ng Bayan”, Gapay urged the public to draw inspiration from the national hero’s devotion and service to the country.
“The AFP wishes that Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom will continue to motivate our people to better serve our country. The preservation of the state is an obligation of every citizen, especially now that we are in this challenging time of a pandemic,” Gapay said.
He added that Rizal’s noble acts to push forward patriotism, as well as his tireless efforts for continuous development, remain as premier attributes that the military emulates.
“We hope that each and every Filipino will draw strength and determination from what Dr. Rizal has fought for and accomplished to pave way for our nation’s independence and achieve lasting peace and security,” he said.
Rizal Day, a regular holiday, was first instituted with a decree issued by President Emilio Aguinaldo on Dec. 20, 1898, declaring Dec. 30 as the anniversary of Jose Rizal’s death. He was executed in Bagumbayan (now known as Luneta) on Dec. 30, 1896.
The first-ever celebration of Rizal Day in the Philippines was held in Manila on Dec. 30, 1898 by the Club Filipino which coincided with the unveiling of the first-ever erected Rizal monument in the town of Daet in Camarines Norte. (PNA)
