Mayor Khymer Olaso urged Zamboangueños, particularly those in public service to uphold the ideals of Dr. Jose Rizal as a guide in serving the people during the 165th birth anniversary commemoration of the national hero, held at Plaza Rizal on Friday, June 19.

Olaso emphasized that Rizal’s legacy remains relevant in addressing present-day challenges, highlighting the hero’s courage, intellect, and dedication to the country as values that must continue to inspire government officials and citizens alike.

“Rizal’s courage did not come from weapons or armies, but from his intellect, his pen, and his unwavering love for the country,” Olaso said during the commemoration program.

The mayor also urged Zamboangueños to honor Rizal’s sacrifices by becoming active contributors to society’s progress. “Let’s not waste what our national heroes did for us,” he said.

Anchored on the theme “Rizal: Sa Pagbangon ng Mga Mamayan, Aral at Diwa Mo ang Tunay na Gabay,” the celebration featured a wreath-laying ceremony led by Olaso at the Rizal Monument, attended by representatives from the local government, national government agencies, private organizations, and the security sector and military sectors.

Area Commander of Western Mindanao Knights of Rizal Domingo Falcasantos emphasized Rizal’s message to the youth through a recitation of portions of “A La Juvented Filipinas” [To the Filipino Youth], which underscored the role of young Filipinos in shaping the nation’s future.

Rizal, a writer, physician, and reformist became a symbol of the Filipino struggle for freedom through his works, including “Noli Me Tangere” (Touch Me Not) and “El Filibusterismo” (The Reign of Greed), which continue to promote education, social awareness, and national identity among generations of Filipinos.

Also present were members of the City Council, Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Mayor Celso Lobregat, City Administrator Percival Ramos, and representatives from the Department of Tourism (DOT-9), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT-9), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-9), Police Regional Office (PRO9), Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Veterans Federation of the Philippines – Sons and Daughters Association Inc. (VFP-SDAI), among other various partner stakelokders. (Arvin Midel) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)