PASIG CITY Dec. 30 (PIA) -- On the 124th Martyrdom of National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the patriot's teachings is being brought to life everyday by the country's defenders and frontline workers whom he considers as modern day heroes.
"His advocacies for the youth live on through our defenders of today – from our soldiers in the remotest areas of our country to our daily front-liners – who continue to embody Rizal’s spirit of patriotism and sense of self-sacrifice," Lorenzana said as he led this morning's honoring event at the Dr. Jose Rizal National Monument in Rizal Park, Manila.
The country's "One Defense Team", he said, remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the "young generation from the forces of corruption from the communist-terrorist groups who lead promising, youthful lives astray."
During the simple event to commemorate the executed nationalist, Lorenzana also reminded everyone of every Filipino’s potential to help build a great nation.
"May this year's commemoration of the life and heroism of Dr. Jose Rizal remind us of the great potential of every Filipino. Let us honor his memory by coming together to pave the way for a more peaceful, united, and strong nation for the current and future generations," the official noted.
He said Rizal's death helped bring forth a new nation and has been a potent source of inspiration.
Lorenzana, who also led the flag-raising, prayer offering, and wreath-laying rights, represented President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who, for his part, delivered a taped message to also honor and mark the event.
The defense chief was joined by Manila City officials led by Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso and from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) led by Chairperson Dr. Rene Escalante.
The theme for this year's celebration is “Jose Rizal: Inspirasyon sa Pagbangon at Paghilom ng Bayan,” which could also mean the Philippines drawing inspiration from the hero in order to bounce back from the negative effects of the COVID-19 global health pandemic.
Simultaneous events were also conducted in other Rizal museums in Calamba, Laguna; Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte; and Fort Santiago, Intramuros in Manila. (PIA NCR)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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