MANILA, Philippines — As the country commemorated the death of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, Vice President Leni Robredo expressed hope that Filipinos will realize the value of freedom and each other ‘s humanity.
In her message on Wednesday, Rizal Day, Robredo said the well-regarded hero exhibited traits that Filipinos should emulate — thinking less about himself and more for the country’s greater good.
“Through his work, the example of his life, and his supreme sacrifice, Rizal thought less of himself and more about the many Filipinos who lived under the yoke of colonialism. His enduring legacy lives on in the liberties we enjoy today,” Robredo said.
“As we commemorate Rizal Day, may we always strive to be worthy of our freedoms and realize that being free requires that we recognize the shared humanity in one another, and fight for the welfare and dignity of every Filipino,” she added.
Rizal was arrested by the Spanish colonial authorities and was executed by a firing squad in Bagumbayan or what is now Luneta Park in Manila on December 30, 1896.