By Azer Parrocha | Philippine News Agency
MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday (Dec. 30) paid tribute to the “unmatched boldness and compassion” of front-liners in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic as the country commemorates the 125th death anniversary of national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.
In his Rizal Day message, Duterte said heroism has become more manifest when the COVID-19 pandemic swept the whole world.
“People of unmatched boldness and compassion stood and fought against the odds brought by the disease in order to help save lives, even while risking their own,” he said.
He described “true heroes” as those who give their lives for the love of the country and of the people.
“Today, as we celebrate the life and works of Dr. Jose Rizal, let us also honor our modern-day heroes who are at the frontlines,” he said.
Duterte urged the public to emulate Rizal’s wisdom and courage in their own simple ways as the country collectively pursues “a better and brighter future.”
“As we commemorate Rizal’s contribution to our freedom and self-determination, may we continue to honor him by exemplifying patriotism and idealism in all our endeavors as well as by fostering a greater sense of nationalism among the Filipino youth,” he said.
On Thursday morning, Duterte led the commemoration of Rizal’s death anniversary through a flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal National Monument in Rizal Park, Manila.
Simultaneous flag-raising ang wreath-laying rites were also conducted at the Museo ni Jose Rizal, Calamba Laguna; Museo ni Jose Rizal, Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte; and Museo ni Jose Rizal, Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila.
This year’s commemoration carries the theme, “Rizal: Para sa Agham, Katotohanan at Buhay” (Rizal: For Science, Truth, and Life) and will be marked by different ceremonies in various monuments throughout the Philippines and around the world.
December 30 is declared a regular holiday under Proclamation 1236, signed by Duterte on October 29.
There have been moves to change the observance of Rizal Day from December 30 to his birth date on June 19, but both dates continue to be remembered and celebrated by Filipinos. (PNA) -ag
