June 19, the birthday of Dr. Jose Rizal, seems to have passed by largely unnoticed. What was once a significant and celebrated occasion has now been reduced to a mere date on the calendar for our national hero. Rizal’s martyrdom inspired the revolt against Spanish rule in the Philippines in 1896 and holds a prominent place in our Rizal Day holiday observance every December 30. However, in our current tumultuous times, coupled with the impact of a pandemic that has left the nation in a state of stupor for over two years, Rizal’s significance has diminished in popular imagination.
This should not be the case. In 1963, then President Diosdado Macapagal issued Proclamation No. 118, declaring June 19 as a special public holiday honoring not just Rizal’s death but his life as well. Perhaps, it is in this perspective that Rizal as a living persona holds more relevance today than the iconic statues found in every municipal plaza across the country.
If Rizal were alive in the 21st century, how would he relate to the Philippines that exists today? How would he respond to the circumstances where over three million of his compatriots live and work overseas, facing the hardships of poverty unlike Rizal’s own experience under the vengeful Spanish regime? How would Rizal, as an educated individual born into privilege, perceive the plight of his fellow countrymen trapped in inequality and injustice? How would he view a world of evolving geopolitics and complex alliances that shape the lives of not only Filipinos today but also future generations?
There are numerous challenging questions that Rizal would confront, requiring not only judgment but also fortitude, courage, and determination for resolution. It would involve more than sacrificing oneself for the country; it would require striving to create a future that benefits all. Rizal would undoubtedly stand in solidarity with the oppressed, marginalized, and outcast. He understood that educating the masses, particularly the youth and those eager to learn, is vital in breaking the chains of ignorance and indifference that keep majority of Filipinos trapped in poverty and economic deprivation. He would commend his fellow countrymen who work abroad to provide for their families, allowing their children to receive an education and uplift their siblings and relatives.
Rizal’s optimism about the future would remain unwavering, no matter how challenging the present circumstances may be. He envisions limitless opportunities for the new generation to harness the power of science and technology if only given the chance by a government focused on the people’s welfare rather than personal ambition and greed. In Rizal’s perspective, government reforms are the fundamental foundation needed to steer the country towards becoming a proud member of the international community, or as present-day officials would say, an “advanced economy” by 2050. Rizal’s vision for Philippine society aligns with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, recognizing the importance of eradicating poverty, improving health and education, reducing inequality, and fostering economic growth concurrently.
Above all, Rizal was our first true “internationalist,” shaped by his extensive travels and education abroad. He possessed a discerning eye for the global scene and understood the potential trajectory of the Philippines amidst the political, social, and economic revolutions taking place worldwide. What matters, according to Rizal, is the Philippines remaining free and independent, unswayed by the winds of geopolitical change. He firmly believed that the Philippines would fiercely defend its hard-won liberty and, with new leaders emerging from its soil and reflecting on its history, strive for progress and work together to strengthen the nation both internally and externally.
In the midst of Southeast Asia’s shifting power dynamics and conflicting political and economic interests, it is vital for us to remain steadfast in our goal of safeguarding the national interest, particularly the freedom that countless Filipinos, including Rizal, have fought and sacrificed for.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
