Call to emulate Rizal’s patriotism with support for fight against graft

President Rodrigo Duterte skipped rites to commemorate the 122nd anniversary of the martyrdom of Rizal Day in Davao City yesterday.However, in his speech that was read by his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, the president called on Filipinos to emulate Rizal’s patriotism by “supporting the government’s development agenda and our campaign against corruption, criminality and illegal drugs.”Duterte’s former special assistant, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, said the chief executive did not attend the Rizal Day rites because he was advised to rest.An advisory from Malacanang last week said Duterte would commemorate the event at Rizal Park in his hometown.In his speech read by his daughter, Duterte urged Filipinos to take part in nation-building and contribute to the advancement of the country.He said that to develop one’s self for the benefit of all would be a “foundation of a truly free and progressive country.”“Intelligence must indeed always go hand in hand with compassion. And it is by having genuine concern for our kababayans (fellowmen) that we can truly show the goodness of our character, just like our national hero,” Duterte said.“Let our love of country, genuine service for others – which are innately Filipino – fuel our desire to aid in addressing the plight of our countrymen,” he added.The president also called on everyone to dedicate their skills and talents to serve the country, “just like Rizal did.” “We need to free ourselves from the shackles of poverty, criminality and corruption. And we can only do so if we give primacy to education and hard work as the means to improve one’s lot in life,” Duterte said. “May Rizal’s courage and patriotic fervour inspire us all to develop compassion for our fellowmen, as well as foster a greater desire to always think of the common good so that we may be able to progress as a people and as a nation.”