A House leader recalled the "indomitable and resilient spirit" of the late revolutionary Dr. Jose Rizal--widely regarded as the national hero of the Philippines--on the occasion of his 161st birth anniversary on Sunday, June 19.
"As we celebrate Dr. Jose Rizal’s 161st birth anniversary, let us reflect on his life and teachings, as well as the sacrifices he made in pursuit of our freedom," said Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo.
Salo served as vice chairman of the House Committee of Public Information in the just-concluded 18th Congress.
"Rizal’s indomitable and resilient spirit should also inspire us to rise above and surmount the challenges that continue to beset us collectively and individually in the midst of the pandemic," the congressman said.
Rizal was born on June 19, 1861 to Francisco Rizal Mercado and Teodora Alonso Realonda in the town of Calamba, Laguna. He had nine sisters and one brother.
A man of many talents, Rizal played a key part in the Philippine revolution against Spain by inspiring other revolutionaries with his writing. One of them is Andres Bonifacio, one of the founders of the Katipunan.
According to Salo, Rizal's aspiration for a just society "should impel us to live with noble intentions and conduct as we forge a nation that values equality and equity".
"Let us endeavor to exercise self-restraint in our words and actions consistent with his teachings," the solon said.