Emulate Rizal with ‘simple acts of heroism’ — Aquino

At the national hero’s 150th birth anniversary on Sunday, President Benigno Aquino III urged Filipinos to follow Dr. Jose Rizal’s example through simple acts of heroism. “Hindi po lahat ay pinapalad na tawagin upang magbuwis ng buhay para sa bayan. Subalit para sa nakararami, nasusukat ang pagkabayani sa araw-araw nating pagharap sa maliliit na sangandaan," he said in a speech in Calamba town in Laguna, Rizal’s birthplace. Aquino said Filipinos can be heroes like Rizal by following the law, respecting others and standing up for one’s principles. “Maaaring may ilang bagay na sa unang tingin ay simple at walang agarang epekto sa malawakang sakop ng lipunan, ngunit paglaon ay mag-iiwan ng bakas at magdudulot ng malaking ginhawa sa kapwa," he said. The President likewise said that Filipinos should also try to emulate Rizal’s example of humility. “Malinaw po: Hindi ipinanganak na superhero si Jose Rizal. Walang prediksyon sa kaniyang kadakilaan… Isa’t kalahating siglo ang nakalipas, ginugunita pa rin natin ang kanyang kapanganakan at tinitingala ang kanyang kadakilaan," he said. Aquino added that he, himself, was inspired by the national hero’s simplicity and hard work.

“Ilang ulit ko na pong idiniin na hindi palakpakan o pagpupugay ang nagtutulak sa akin bumangon araw-araw upang maglingkod sa akin pong mga Boss. Nagtatrabaho tayo para sa bata sa lansangan… Nagtatrabaho tayo dahil sa isang malayong baryo, maaaring may sanggol na magiging tulad ni Rizal," he said. To mark Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary, Aquino unveiled in Calamba a 22-foot bronze statue of the national hero— the world’s tallest statue of the Filipino martyr. Rizal was born on June 19, 1861 in Laguna. He was executed by firing squad on December 30, 1896 after he was found guilty of rebellion, sedition, and forming an illegal association. — MRT/KBK/HS, GMA News