Presidential aspirant Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.
BBM to Pinoys: Emulate perseverance, nationalism of Dr. Jose Rizal
PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on Thursday urged every Filipino to emulate the courage, perseverance, and nationalism of Dr. Jose Rizal, “and use them as an inspiration and a driving force in the country’s efforts to rise from obscurity and be once again at par with other progressive nations of the world.”
“Instead of just dwelling on the accomplishments of Dr. Rizal, which paved the way for our nationhood, I am calling on every freedom-loving Filipinos to follow his vision, imitate the courage he showed in the face of great adversity, and persevere to excel in our respective endeavors because we can only grow as a nation if all of us have the same dreams and aspirations,” Marcos said on the occasion of Rizal’s 125th year of martyrdom.
The former Ilocos Norte governor emphasized that the country can only get back on its feet after the debilitating effect of the pandemic “if we think and move as one,” because it is only through unity, regardless of our belief, politics, and creed, that we can make our beloved nation great again.”
“Not too long ago, a wise man said that this nation can be great again. He said it over and over and he made it his article of faith. And like him, I am telling you now… Divine Providence has willed that you and I can now translate this faith into deeds,” Marcos said.
He reminded the Filipinos that “our country was once Number 1 in South East Asia and our economy was the envy of our neighbors.”
“We will be great again as a nation and as a people. Sa gitna ng mga hamon at kahirapan, tulong-tulong po nating ibangon muli ang ating Inang Bayan. Iyan ay magkakaroon lamang ng katuparan kung isasapuso natin ang tunay na diwa ng nasyonalismo, pagsisikap, at pagkakaisa,” the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard bearer said.
In closing, Marcos encouraged his countrymen to focus on the task of nation-building, bereft of political gimmickry and devoid of crab mentality, and “believe that the Almighty wanted us to be a great people for our next generation.”
“Ng itanong ni Crisostomo Ibarra kay Pilosopo Tasyo kung bakit siya nagsusulat ng hieroglyphics sa wikang Tagalog ganung hindi naman ito maiintidihan ng kaniyang mga kababayan sa kaniyang panahon, sinagot siya nito na nais niyang ipaalam sa mga susunod na saling lahi na hindi lahat sa panahon ng kaniyang mga ninuno ay natutulog. At ito rin ang mensaheng nais nating ipahatid sa ating mga anak, mga apo, at sa mga susunod na henerasyon… na tayo ay nagkaisa sa pinakamahirap na panahon at sama-samang inihaon ang bayan dahil tayo ay mulat na sa aral ng ating kasaysayan at hindi tayo natulog sa panahon ng pagsusulit,” he also said.
