2018 Rizal Day Celebration Closing Remarks

122nd Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal

Theme: “Rizal 2018: Wisdom and Compassion, Foundation of a Free and Progressive Nation.” (Rizal 2018: Talino at Malasakit
sa Isa’t Isa, Pundasyon ng Isang Malaya at Maunlad na Bansa)

Opening Quote…
The great Nelson Mandela once said,/
A good head/ and a good heart/ are always a powerful
combination. //
Greetings…
It is both with his compassionate heart/ and great wisdom/ that Dr. Jose
Rizal/ gave up his life for us Filipinos.//
For compassion is the twin brother of wisdom,/ let us be like Jose Rizal/
who have unselfishly loved/ this great country and its people.// After all,/ it is only
in wisdom and compassion/ that we can unite ourselves as one/ and set no
boundaries with our achievements.//
We have faced several trials as a people/ yet proved to the world that we
are resilient to adversities/ with our armor of wisdom and compassion for one
another.// Let us therefore continue to stand strong as a country/ and as a
people/ like wolves in their pack/ and lions in their pride.// With this spirit/ we
shall fully realize our dream/ of a more progressive Philippines.//
Let us not waste this day’s remembrance/ of Dr. Jose Rizal’s wisdom and
compassion.// Rather let us emulate his gift of heroism/ in each of our chosen
roles/ in the arena of life.//
In closing,/ may I leave you with what Charles Dickens wrote and I quote://
“A loving heart/ is the truest wisdom.”//