Vice President Sara Duterte has urged the Filipino youth to nurture their hunger for knowledge and become the leaders who will carry the Philippines forward, like our national hero, Jose Rizal, did for the love of country.
In her Rizal Day message, Duterte said the values left by Rizal are "an everlasting wellspring of inspiration" to younger Filipinos, who now have the duty to uphold and work on for the marginalized and underrepresented in the society.
She said Rizal's curiosity and passion for knowledge can serve as a beacon that shows people the path towards a brighter future.
But aside from nurturing knowledge and being leaders, she said, there must be a call to action.
"Let us continue the vision that Rizal ignited, and expand his legacy through the causes and dreams we champion in our time," Duterte said.
"We must be brave in work(ing) for reforms and innovations, even if it means making significant sacrifices. Rizal's life was a testament to the power of courage in the face of adversity," she added.
Duterte described Rizal as a "visionary" and "a man of courage and intellect" and his love for country and fervent desire for freedom and justice resonate deeply with the Filipino people.
"It reminds us that our duty is to uphold these values and work tirelessly for the rights and dignity of those who are marginalized and underrepresented," she said.
She then hoped that the commemoration of Rizal's martyrdom would inspire every "Filipino to rise above challenges, become catalysts for personal growth and development, and remind one another that we possess the capacity to build and restore our nation."
"Let us transcend our differences and unite for a progressive, resilient and inclusive Philippines," Duterte said.