BAGUIO CITY – Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia said finishing one’s education is a material contribution a young person can do to show love for country.
“Hindi kailangan maging duktor, manunulat o maging rebolusyonaryo upang makapag-ambag sa ating bayan. Ang pagpapahalaga ni (Dr. Jose P.) Rizal sa edukasyon ay sadyang kahanga-hanga. Para sa kanya ang edukasyon ay mahalagang bahagi ng pagpapakita ng pagmamahal sa bayan (One does not need to become a doctor, a writer or a revolutionary fighter to contribute to the country. Rizal’s regard for education is really laudable. He valued it as a sign of one’s love for country),” he said.
Valencia, guest speaker in this city’s commemoration of the 128th year of Rizal’s martyrdom Monday, said ensuring that the youth get proper education is a key in helping secure the nation’s progress and future.
“We can uplift our nation through education and pass on our love for our country to the next generation,” he said.
He urged the public to reflect on the life of Rizal and ask themselves how they can emulate the national hero’s life.
“There are times when we realize that becoming a hero is not reserved for the popular and the talented but is open to everyone. Simple daily actions such as good deeds for a fellowman, being honest and sincere in our jobs, (and) caring for the community all show Rizal’s vision,” he said. **Liza Agoot
