Legarda marks Rizal’s 165th birth anniversary with call for unity

MANILA, Philippines — As the nation commemorates the 165th birth anniversary of Dr. José Rizal on June 19, Senator Loren Legarda reflected on how the national hero’s vision continues to guide Filipinos through times of change.

The senator emphasized that Rizal’s ideals of truth, education, and patriotism remain vital as the country confronts challenges, reminding leaders and citizens alike that unity and collective work are the foundation of progress.

Legarda recalled a passage from Noli Me Tangere (Chapter 25, “In the House of the Philosopher”), during a dialogue between characters Crisóstomo Ibarra and Pilosopo Tasio, where Ibarra reflects on his plan to build a school amid Tasio’s warning about power and influence in pursuing reform. In this moment, Ibarra expresses his sense of patriotism and identity while asserting that such loyalties should not require him to submit his dignity to unjust authority. For Legarda, the chapter reflects Rizal’s exploration of the tension between idealism and political reality, showing how reforms such as education are often shaped and constrained by entrenched systems of power and influence.

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“Rizal’s courage was expressed in his insistence that conscience must prevail over silence. His life compels us to ask: are we defending truth when it is most contested, are we protecting our environment when it is most fragile, are we nurturing education when it is most needed? These questions remain urgent responsibilities today,” Legarda said.

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The senator stressed that Rizal’s vision of nationhood was inseparable from culture, ecology, and civic responsibility. His documentation of Filipino customs, his love for native flora and fauna, and his insistence on education as the foundation of liberty continue to inspire the Senate’s work in advancing reforms for schools, heritage preservation, and climate action.

She noted that in recent days, as institutions continue their work and the nation seeks stability, Rizal’s reminder of conscience and responsibility is especially relevant. Legarda emphasized that progress is best achieved when leaders and citizens focus on unity and the welfare of the nation.

Legarda has also supported initiatives that echo Rizal’s legacy abroad, including the digital documentation of Rizal’s ethnographic objects in Berlin, the strengthening of Philippine Studies programs in prestigious universities, and the landmark participation of the Philippines as Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2025. These efforts ensure that Rizal’s voice continues to resonate globally as a symbol of Filipino identity and intellectual strength.

“Rizal believed that freedom carries responsibility to one another, to our communities, and to generations yet to come. The best tribute we can offer him is to live with purpose, to build a society where justice and truth are non‑negotiable,” Legarda said.

Legarda concluded by urging Filipinos, especially the youth, to embody Rizal’s spirit in thought and action. She stressed that Rizal’s legacy is alive in the conscience of those who choose integrity over convenience, courage over silence, and responsibility over indifference. /cb

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