In his welcome message, Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones said that “in this national observance we commemorate Rizal’s patriotism and martyrdom, bringing the Filipinos together to make his memory and his significance live on in our present time and in the next generations.”
“In this observance we shall have the opportunity again to evaluate and see for ourselves as individuals and as people with the progress we have achieved in pursuing the ideals that Rizal exemplified to his countrymen,” Mayor Pulmones perorated.
“The Filipinos indeed, are very fortunate for having been begotten such a great man like Dr. Jose Rizal, whom we also call the apostles of Philippine freedom,” the chief executive emphasized.
Philippine Army’s 1st Tabak Division Commanding General Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr., who was ably represented by his assistant division commander Col. Amadeo F. Azul, said: “Our national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal did not only leave to us the dignity of a free and independent nation; he also left to us… and the future generations a challenge to always strive hard for excellence not only for ourselves but for the greater majority.”
“Let us not put in vain the sacrifices done by Dr. Jose Rizal no matter how we define our hero,” Trinidad exhorted.
“Let us not forget the one noble act that has made this nation today – free and independent,” he added.
The heroism of Dr. Jose Rizal reflects his utmost concern for the hope and future of our nation, especially the Filipino youth, Trinidad said.
“In whatever capacity let us always have the spirit of nationalism and sense of pride as Filipinos. Let us all strive for excellence in whatever we do, not only for ourselves but for the greater majority,” he urged.
The event was attended by the heads and representatives of the national and local offices, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), civic organizations and non-government organizations, city officials and employees.
This year’s theme is anchored on “Rizalismo: Sandigan ng Kaunlaran, Pagkakaisa at Kapayapaan.” (PIA9)