Celso, Beng, Erbie pay tribute to Rizal
Strong as ever, the triumvirate Mayor Celso Lobregat and Congressional Representatives Beng Climaco and Erbie Fabian seal their bond anew, as shown in this photo taken after the Rizal Day celebration Dec. 30 at the Rizal Park fronting City Hall. (JOEY BAUTISTA)
Displaying unity and solidarity, Mayor Celso Lobregat and Congressional Representatives Beng Climaco of District I and Erbie Fabian of District II yesterday morning spearheaded activities commemorating Dr. Jose Rizal’s 113th death anniversary at the park named after the national hero fronting City Hall.
In their individual messages, Lobregat, Climaco and Fabian called on the government employees, educators, students and representatives from the private sector to emulate the good examples displayed by people who show Rizal’s spirit.
“In our midst, we are seeing the emergence of a new generation of men and women who continues to show the Rizals in them, who displays their own brand of heroism. Let us draw inspiration from their deeds and may we all try to emulate their good examples,” Mayor Lobregat said in his message.
He stressed that “the death of Dr. Jose Rizal has taught us, among others, to think for ourselves and not be easily dictated by others. “Ignorance is servitude, because as a man thinks, so he is; a man who does not think for himself and allows himself to be guided by the thought of another is like the beast led by a halter,” he said. Let us be wary of malicious people – of wolves disguised as lambs – who will take advantage of every opportunity to confuse our constituents through misinformation to further their personal interests.
“As we honor Jose Rizal today, it is fitting that I ask each of you, fellow Zamboangueños to continue the struggle for true Philippine independence and nationalism. I am sure there will be challenges and trials that will emerge and come our way. Let us remain united and continue our efforts to keep our beloved Zamboanga and the entire country solid and strong,” according to Lobregat.
Cong. Climaco said heroism should be active and alive in every Filipinos’ heart just as what Rizal did during his time.
“In observance of the 113th death anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, heroism should be active and alive today in our hearts,” the lady solon said.
One form of heroism could be volunteering for clean and honest elections in 2010, Climaco added.
Cong. Fabian for his part described Rizal as an extraordinary man, whose death in Bagumbayan continues to inspire nationalism and patriotism in many Filipinos.
The commemoration of the 113th death anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, organized jointly by the Knights of Rizal and the city government, was participated by military and police officers and personnel, representatives from the academe, the government offices and the employees and officials from the city government.
Domingo Falcasantos, KOR area commander declaimed the Mi Ultimo Adios while Fidel Milan gave the closing remarks. (Sheila Covarrubias)