CEBU, Philippines - As the Cebu City government commemorated the 118th death anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal yesterday, Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella challenged the people to help solve the problem in politics and in society.
“These political and social problems are the challenges that we have to face if we deserve the death of Jose Rizal so that he would not have died in vain,” said Labella.
Labella said that as a politician, he is aware of the culture of corruption in the government, which serves as a challenge to everyone.
He also cited the proliferation of illegal drugs and criminality in the society as another challenge that must be solved.
Aside from this, there is also the existing imbalance in society, said Labella.
“Too many have too little in life while too few have the good things in life,” he said.
In his speech, Labella further highlighted the concept on Rizal’s story of the moth - the insect that went near the light and eventually died.
To Labella, the story of the moth could be related to the life of Rizal who died for the sake of searching the light, which is freedom.
“At that time, he was already conscious that there was a compelling need for the Filipinos to see the light of freedom,” he said, admiring the hero’s ways in fighting for the country.
“He never advocated rebellion. He was always an exponent of peaceful reforms,” Labella further told the attendees of the celebration.
During yesterday’s activity, government officials and employees offered flowers to the monument of Rizal at Plaza Sugbo.
Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy, who was also present yesterday, further shared to the attendees a portion of Rizal’s life story. (FREEMAN)