![[𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐙𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐀 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐉𝐎𝐑𝐒’ 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝟏𝟐𝟖𝐓𝐇 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐑𝐈𝐙𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐀𝐘]On December 30, the nation p...](https://img5.medioq.com/669/377/1247991806693777.jpg)
30/12/2024
[𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐙𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐀 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐉𝐎𝐑𝐒’ 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝟏𝟐𝟖𝐓𝐇 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐑𝐈𝐙𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐀𝐘]
On December 30, the nation pays tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal, a man whose life, works, and martyrdom continue to shape our national identity. Known as the “Pride of the Malay Race” and one of our most revered heroes, Rizal’s contributions extend beyond his writings; they embody a call for awakening, empowerment, and transformation.
Rizal’s works, including Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, are not merely novels— they are revolutionary texts that challenged the abuses of Spanish colonial rule, exposed societal inequalities, and inspired the Filipino people’s pursuit of independence. Today, we find ourselves facing modern struggles that echo Rizal’s fight against oppression: poverty, systemic corruption, and a widening gap between the powerful and the marginalized. As Rizal once wielded his pen to confront the injustices of his time, his teachings compel us to act decisively in addressing these enduring challenges. This translates to advocating for accessible, quality education and creating opportunities that uplift the most disadvantaged sectors. Systemic reforms addressing wage gaps, unequal resource distribution, and rural underdevelopment are also necessary to ensure that progress reaches all corners of the nation, not just the privileged few.
Rizal’s ultimate sacrifice reminds us that patriotism is rooted in service to the greater good. More than a call to remembrance, his legacy serves as a blueprint for collective action and a reminder that nation-building is a shared responsibility. Rizal’s emphasis on integrity and accountability in governance is a stark reminder of what is demanded of our leaders— and of us as citizens, to recognize that our role extends far beyond the ballot box. It is our collective task to work toward a society that prioritizes the welfare of its people.
As we commemorate Rizal Day, let us not only honor his heroism but also embrace his vision for the Philippines. May his unwavering love for our country and his dream of a just and equitable society serve as a reminder of what we are capable of achieving together. In his words, “Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan.” May we, as the youth and future leaders, live up to this promise by embodying the courage and wisdom Rizal showed throughout his life. Let us heed his enduring message: to love our country is to fight for its people, especially those who have been left behind.
Ang Organization of Area Studies Majors ay nakikiisa sa paggunita ng Araw ni Dr. Jose Rizal bilang pagkilala sa kanyang ambag sa pagtataguyod ng kalayaan, katarungan, at pagkakapantay-pantay sa ating lipunan. Bilang mga mag-aaral na may layuning unawain ang ugnayan ng mga bansa at ang kanilang kasaysayan, nagsisilbing inspirasyon ang mga prinsipyo ni Rizal na nagbigay-diin sa kahalagahan ng edukasyon, kritikal na pag-iisip, at pagkilos para sa kabutihan ng nakararami. Sa araw na ito, isinusulong ang diwa ng pagkakaisa at pakikibaka laban sa mga hamon ng ating panahon— mula sa kahirapan at katiwalian hanggang sa pagprotekta sa karapatan ng bawat Pilipino. Nawa’y magsilbing gabay ang buhay at aral ni Rizal sa ating pagtahak tungo sa mas maunlad at makatarungang lipunan.