Ladies, gentlemen, and most distinguished guests,

Today, I speak to you about “Rizalian Values" A theme that embodies the enduring legacy of Jose
Rizal, and the timelessness of the values he championed. And in my opinion, there is no Rizalian
value more timeless than the devotion to knowledge.

You see, Jose Rizal was a doctor. He was also a writer, a teacher, as well as a visionary that
believed in freedom and equality for the Filipino people during the Spanish colonial times. Jose
Rizal had many facets; but they all converge into one value, one that I’d like to believe is his
core value. And it is none other than Jose Rizal’s devotion to know more, and to offer that
knowledge to those in need. It is also the same value that continues to shape our society today
and inspire us for a better tomorrow.

Yesterday, the value of knowledge was a catalyst of change during turbulent periods of
Philippine history. They became ammunition for our quest for freedom, education, and a united
nation. Rizal's writings, like "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," were calls for justice
and rejection of oppression. His belief in the power of education laid the foundation for
intellectual awakening and social change.

Today, this Rizalian value remains as relevant as ever. In our fast-paced, globalized world, we
face challenges like social inequality, corruption, and environmental degradation. Rizal's
emphasis on education reminds us of the importance of critical thinking, intellectual curiosity,
and lifelong learning.

Rizal's commitment to social justice and the betterment of his people is a testament to the
enduring relevance of his devotion to knowledge. In a world where many societies still grapple
with inequality and discrimination, we can draw inspiration from his courage to learn more about
the world around us, and to use that knowledge to challenge the status quo.

As we look to tomorrow, we must ask how we can honor Rizal’s values and perpetuate his
legacy. The answer lies in both our thoughts and our actions. We must champion education,
promoting access to knowledge for all. We must advocate for justice, working to eliminate
corruption, promote fairness, and uphold individual rights. We must be responsible stewards of
the environment, preserving and sustaining it. Most importantly, we must be patriots committed
to the betterment of our nation.

In conclusion, Jose Rizal’s devotion for knowledge is one we all must strive emulate. For it
reminds us of the enduring power of education, and how it becomes the vehicle for change
within our country. Let us find strength and inspiration in the legacy of Jose Rizal and work
together to create a society where this value, among others become a part of our identity. With
that I end my speech.

To borrow the words of our hero Jose Rizal, "I do not write for this generation. I am
writing for other ages. If this generation could read me, they would burn my books, the work of
my whole life. On the other hand, the generation which interprets these writings will be an
educated generation; they will understand me and say: Not all were asleep in the nighttime of our
grandparents. For Genius has no country. It blossoms everywhere. Genius is like the light, the air.
It is the heritage of all."

Distinguished members of the panel of judges, most honorable members of Knights of

Rizal, Ladies, Gentlemen, and most distinguished guests. Today I speak to you of “Rizalian
Values”; a theme that embodies the enduring legacy of Jose Rizal, and what he represents.
 You see Jose Rizal was a doctor. But he was also a writer, a teacher, a visionary that
believed in the freedom and equality of the Filipino people during his time. Jose Rizal had many
facets, but they all sprung from one singular source; one that most might even say is his core
value. And that, is none other than Jose Rizal’s devotion to knowledge; a value or rather a
Rizalian value that continues to shape our society today, and inspires us towards a better future.

In the history of Yesterday, we see Jose Rizal used his writings as a catalyst for change.
Noli Mi Tangere, El Filibusterismo, these works were written as a call for justice and a rejection
of Spanish oppression. By sharing these works, Rizal fueled the flames of our quest for freedom,
education, and a united nation. His belief in the power of knowledge laid the foundation for
intellectual awakening and social change.

And what of today?

Today, Jose Rizal the man, the hero, the legend is dead. His remains, laid to rest in
Luneta. Yet in spite of this, his values live on. Because Jose Rizal is no longer just a mortal, he is
a concept; an ideal that lives forever within all of us. And in our world today no one else better
represents Rizal’s Core values than Maria Ressa. Maria Ressa embodies Rizalian values in our
contemporary world as a fearless advocate for knowledge, justice, and press freedom. Much like
Jose Rizal, she courageously stands against injustice, exposing corruption and championing the
right to free and independent journalism. Her unwavering commitment to truth and her resilience
in the face of the law parallels Rizal's dedication to exposing societal ills during the Spanish
colonial era.

Through her, we see a glimpse of what Jose Rizal stood for. In her work to fight for the
freedom of the truth, for the freedom of knowledge; we are reminded of Rizal’s commitment to
social justice and the betterment of the Filipino people.

As we look to tomorrow, a question unfolds; who will be the next person to inhibit
Rizal’s devotion to knowledge? Who will be the one to carry Rizal’s Legacy?

Ladies and Gentlemen, I urge you to look! Look at the people beside you, look to them
and understand that the answer is us! We must champion education, promoting access to
knowledge for all. We must advocate for justice, working to eliminate corruption, promote
fairness, and uphold individual rights. We must be responsible stewards of the environment,
preserving and sustaining it. We must be Rizal, using knowledge for the betterment of our nation.

By emulating Jose Rizal’s devotion to knowledge, we can be the change we wish to see
within our nation. Let us find strength and inspiration in the legacy of Jose Rizal and work
together to create a society where this value, among others become a part of our identity. So, to
all of you listening I offer this challenge:

How will you be your own Rizal?