By Mary May A. Abellon
 |
| Photo by Ruel Tabada |
DIPOLOG CITY – The city government here observed
the 117th death anniversary and martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal last
Monday at Plaza Magsaysay this city.
“Our national hero, Dr.
Jose P. Rizal, gave us an identity distinct from other country and the values
of being a Filipino,” Zamboanga del Norte Governor Roberto Y. Uy said during
his speech.
Governor Uy also enjoined
the crowd to emulate the admirable traits of Dr. Rizal like his being kind,
compassionate, gentle and humane.
The governor added that
were it not for Dr. Rizal, we would not know about the martyrdom, the
importance of our own language and the value of patriotism.
One of Rizal’s famous
sayings was: “Ang hindi magmmahal sa sariling wika, daig pa ang hayop at
malansang isda (he who does not love
his own language is worse than an animal and smelly fish).”
“He offered his life for
what is right, sacrificing his life and liberty for better good,” Governor Uy
said, adding “hiis words, deeds and actions reflect his selfless sacrifice.”
“Let your action be
directed for general well-being,” he concluded.
The
flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies were also led Mayor Evelyn T. Uy.
Attending said occasion
were city officials, government officials and employees of national government
agencies, barangay officials, and religious and private organizations.
(PIA9)
