Senators mark Rizal’s birth, call for deeper youth empowerment

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

Both senators agreed that the best tribute to Rizal lies not in monuments or ceremonies, but in concrete action to uplift the youth and ensure they have the tools to build a better future. (Pixabay photo)

MANILA – Senators commemorated Dr. Jose Rizal’s 164th birth anniversary Thursday by urging Filipinos to live by the values of the national hero, with a renewed focus on youth development and addressing the country’s education crisis.

Senator Loren Legarda called on the public to emulate Rizal’s moral courage and sense of social responsibility, describing him as not only a revolutionary through his writings but also “a reformist who confronted the challenges of his time with clarity, truth, and dignity.”

“His life serves as a powerful reminder that we, Filipinos, must speak out against injustice, be the voice of the vulnerable, and act with conscience, especially when it is most difficult,” she said.

Legarda underscored Rizal’s relevance in today’s context of disinformation, social inequity, and ecological degradation, saying he was a “thinker, a visionary, and a changemaker” who embodied the principle that freedom must come with responsibility.

“Rizal was deeply connected to our people, culture, and natural resources. His writings, his love for native flora and fauna, and his documentation of our culture reflect that nationhood is rooted in our values, heritage, and a strong sense of place,” she said, encouraging schools and communities to engage with Rizal’s works more critically and meaningfully.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, in a separate statement, marked the occasion as Filipino Youth Day and emphasized the urgent need to end the country’s education crisis.

“For our youth to reach their full potential, we must ensure that they receive education of the highest quality,” he said.

“This means it is urgent for us to stem the country’s education crisis.

Sa pagwakas natin ng krisis sa edukasyon, maihahatid natin sa bawat bata ang mas magandang kinabukasan (By ending the education crisis, we can bring every child a better future).”

Both senators agreed that the best tribute to Rizal lies not in monuments or ceremonies, but in concrete action to uplift the youth and ensure they have the tools to build a better future.