Duterte honors pandemic frontliners on Rizal Day

TRADITIONAL RITES President Duterte arrives for the traditional wreath-laying at the Rizal monument in Manila. —RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos should appreciate the sacrifices of modern-day heroes at the frontlines fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Thursday as he led his last Rizal Day ceremony as chief executive.

The president attended the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal national monument at Rizal Park, Manila. He was accompanied by National Historical Commission of the Philippines chair Rene Escalante, Sen. Christopher Go, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Manila Mayor Francisco Domagaso and other officials.

“As we commemorate Rizal’s contribution to our freedom and self-determination, may we continue to honor him by exemplifying patriotism and idealism in all our endeavors as well as by fostering a greater sense of nationalism among the Filipino youth,” Mr. Duterte said in his message released by Malacañang.

According to the president, true heroes give their lives for love of country and people.

This, he said, was demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which “people of unmatched boldness and compassion stood and fought against the odds brought by the disease in order to help save lives, even while risking their own.”

Unmatched compassion

“Today, as we celebrate the life and works of Dr. Jose Rizal, let us also honor our modern-day heroes who are at the frontlines. Let us emulate his wisdom and courage in our own simple way as we pursue a better and brighter future for all,” he added.

Duterte said heroism had become more manifest when the COVID-19 pandemic swept the whole world.

“People of unmatched boldness and compassion stood and fought against the odds brought by the disease in order to help save lives, even while risking their own,” he said.

He described “true heroes” as those who give their lives for the love of the country and of the people.

This year’s commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the hero’s martyrdom has the theme, “Rizal: Para sa Agham, Katotohanan at Buhay” (For Science, Truth and Life).

Simultaneous flag-raising ang wreath-laying rites were also conducted at the Museo ni Jose Rizal in Calamba, Laguna; Museo ni Jose Rizal in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte; and Museo ni Jose Rizal in Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila.