Rizal Day: ‘Unite for service, not partisanship’

Man of the day. Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella (right) and Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy offer flowers at the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal at Plaza Sugbo. (CDN PHOTO/ JUNJIE MENDOZA)

It was a gloomy day inspired by the commemoration of the life and work of the Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal.

Flowers and a Mass were offered to celebrate the martyrdom Rizal at the hands of  Spanish colonizers 114 years ago.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella led the rites at the Plaza Sugbu where the Mass was also held.

Rizal is a great man who fought for our freedom and democracy, a hero who sought liberation through peaceful means,” Labella said.

He noted that Rizal worked to unite the Filipinos to be recognized as a nation.

This, he said, should inspire those in public service to unite for the public good instead of being divided by political partisanship.

Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy read Rizal’s poem written before his execution, now a classic,  Mi Ultimo Adios (My Last Farewell).

Msgr. Roberto “Boy” Alesna who officiated the Mass asked  officials, employees and government staff and ordinary citizens to do simple and meaningful things for the country, to be heroes in little ways for the love of country and fellowmen  as exemplified by Rizal.

The ceremony was attended by Cebu City government employees and sector representatives.

Candidates for Miss Cebu 2015 also attended the event.

Mayor Michael Rama was in Manila for a prior engagement.

Yesterday was a special non-working holiday to remember the deeds of Rizal to fight for the country’s freedom.

The event was capped by a  flower offering below the  statue of Jose Rizal, who is sculpted sitting at his desk,  mounted near  City Hall.