Jose Rizal was a “millennial” of his time. He was 25 when he published Noli Me Tangere, a novel that described the ills for the cancerous colonial Philippine society toward the end of the 19th century. He was 30 when he published El Filibusterismo, the follow-up to his first novel that prescribed societal cures.
Even up to the time he was executed at 35 for expressing the idea that everyone has inherent, inalienable rights, Rizal inspired Filipinos to believe that they were capable of ruling themselves.
He used his time and talents to show his love of country.
We urge today’s millennials to be like Rizal, to work for a better Philippines, free of poverty and fear, and where justice and solidarity reign.
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“Millennial” ng kanyang panahon si Jose Rizal. Dalawampu’t limang taon lang siya nang nilimbag ang Noli Me Tangere, ang nobelang naglalarawan sa mala-kanser na lipunan sa kolonyal na Pilipinas sa pagtatapos ng ika-19 na siglo. Tatlumpung taon siya nang nilimbag ang El Filibusterismo, ang follow-up sa kanyang unang nobela na nag-rereseta ng mga panlipunang lunas.
Kahit noong tatlumpu’t limang taon siya’t patayin dahil sa pagpapakalat ng ideyang ang lahat ay may likas at ganap na mga karapatan, naging inspirasyon siya para maniwala ang Pilipinong may kakayahan itong magpasya sa sariling buhay.
Ginamit niya ang kanyang oras at mga kagalingan para ipakitang mahal niya ang bayan.
Ngayong araw na ito, hinihikayat natin ang mga millennials na maging tulad ni Rizal, magtrabaho para sa isang mas mahusay na Pilipinas, na may kalayaan mula sa kahirapan at takot, at kung saan may katarungan at bayanihan.