I join the rest of our nation in celebrating the 97th death anniversary of the martyrdom of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, who, together with the other great leaders of the revolutionary movement, struggled and sacrificed for our country’s independence, unity and progress.

Rizal, more than any other great leaders of his time, had a sense of the national community, a sense of nationhood. He believed that the lowly “Indios”, as our people were called by the colonizers then, were not inferior to anyone anywhere in the world. Thus, born to the age of revolution, he already envisioned a free, progressive and united Philippines a century hence.

As we celebrate Rizal Day today, and approach the Centennial of Rizal’s martyrdom, let us commit to mind, spirit and heart that each generation creates its own milieu, and that we, the latter-day Filipinos, must sow the seeds of our own transformation by strengthening our democracy; by reinforcing our political, economic and social foundations; and by living and doing our daily work in accordance with Rizal’s teachings and vision.