ILOILO CITY: Ilonggos joined the nation in commemorating the 128th martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal on Monday, underscoring the importance of sustaining the optimism of youth as the future of the nation. The event, held at the historic Plaza Libertad, featured a call to action for Filipinos to support young people as pivotal contributors to nation-building.
According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, Police Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas) director and the guest of honor, emphasized the essential role of the Filipino youth in achieving a new Philippines, aligning with Dr. Rizal's vision. He highlighted the governmental duty to enable the youth to fulfill their mission as the 'fair hope of [our] motherland.'
Wanky outlined three key areas where Filipinos can aid the youth: establishing safe environments, protecting them from illegal drugs, and nurturing them within loving homes. He noted the vulnerability of Filipino youth to risks such as teenage pregnancy and juvenile delinquency, citing alarming statistics and a past report of over 11,000 crime incidents involving minors in the country.
The Police Regional Office 6 has implemented initiatives like the Batang Pandilla Project in Western Visayas to prevent youth violence associated with gangs and fraternities, which has been recognized as a model practice by the national headquarters. In combating illegal drug threats, the Philippine National Police has intensified operations, leading to the confiscation of nearly half a billion pesos worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of almost 3,000 individuals by December 25.
Wanky also stressed the significance of family in providing a nurturing environment that fosters responsible citizenship, warning that homes have the potential to shape children into either heroes or adversaries of society.
The commemoration event featured a flag-raising ceremony, wreath-laying, volley fire/taps, and floral offerings before the statue of Rizal, attended by Iloilo City Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon and other city officials. The theme for this year was 'Rizal sa Bagong Pilipinas: Buhay at Aming Nilalandas.'
