by Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY, December 30 (PIA) – ‘‘December 30 of every year enables the whole nation to reminisce the awe-inspiring talent and indubitable patriotism of our national hero and for liberating Filipinos from political and economic oppression.’’
Thus declared 1st Infantry Tabak commander MGen. Noel A. Coballes during the 115th death anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal at the Rizal monument here today with the theme “ Rizal: Haligi ng Bayan”.
In his message delivered by Inspector General Col. Rizaldy Salimbangon, the Tabak chief said Rizal has been treasured in the institutional memory of every Filipino and even by foreigners who came to know him and studied his life. “ He can be easily remembered and venerated for the legacy and teachings that he established,” Coballes said.
Coballes cited the great sacrifice that Rizal has made specially when he offered his life in martyrdom to free the country from the bondage of oppression from the Spanish colonizers. “He sacrificed his life in Bagumbayan – a sacrifice which hastened the birth of our nation and which led us and our children to savor the sweet fruit of freedom and independence,” Coballes added.
He said Rizal urged Filipinos to be always guided by their innate sense of brotherhood.
In military perspective, Coballes said this brotherhood is conceptualized and implemented based on the current AFP’s internal peace and security plan dubbed as ‘bayanihan’ of the forces of government agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, civil society and other stakeholders working together for peace and progress.
Coballes enjoined all other government instrumentalities to recall our national hero’s passion for the protection and preservation of national interest. “ I encourage each and everyone to imbibe all the values and lessons of our great historical past and pursue an exemplary public as well as personal life as we go trough our day-to-day concerns,” Coballes urged.
Meanwhile, Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio H. Cerilles said that Rizal’s manifested heroism was felt in the hearts of many Filipinos.
In his message delivered by 1st district board member Pepito Degamo, he said the awakening of their heroism has been through a disaster or tragedy. In all calamities and upheavals, like war, there are heroes.
Cerilles said the latest disaster, typhoon Sendong, we saw in the comfort of our chairs through television and newspaper reports how heroism unfolded, with people in the brink of death being helped by other people. “The latter are the heroes who themselves were not mindful of the danger they were exposed to,” Cerilles added.
The governor wished Pagadianons and ZamboSurians, that the 115th death anniversary of Rizal will allow the heroes in us to grow and dominate our lives; to give us the courage to say and do what is morally right; and the readiness to sacrifice when needed in the name of what is for the good and best welfare of our people.
On the other hand, Mayor Samuel S. Co stressed the importance of remembering the death of our national hero who fought for change during his time.
In his message delivered by city councilor Arnold Gavenia, he said Rizal’s battlecry was freedom from colonization, right to education for every Filipino and equality in society.
‘‘Rizal represented the very best of us Filipinos. The story of Rizal’s life provides us with a source of strength and inspiration to enable us to meet the trying challenges of the day,’’ Co said.
“I wish to call upon each and every Pagadianon, particularly the youth to whom this historic commemoration is specially dedicated, to ponder upon Rizal’s role in the great drama of nation-building,” Co implored.
The event was participated in by the AFP, PNP, BJMP, BFP, city officials and employees, regional offices , Knights of Columbus, International Order of Demolay and other concerned individuals. (alT/GCC/PIA9-Pagadian)