Senator Cynthia Villar is urging local government leaders to emulate the exemplary traits of Dr. Jose Rizal, who she said is an inspiration for all Filipinos especially among the youth.
“Mapalad kayo dahil hindi na ninyo kailangan lumayo pa mula dito sa Calamba para humanap ng ehemplo na pwede ninyo tularan –walang iba kung hindi ang ating pambansang bayani mismo, ang anak ng Calamba, si Dr. Jose Rizal (You are fortunate because you don’t have to go that far from Calamba in search for a model you could emulate –no other than our national hero himself and son of Calamba, Dr. Jose Rizal,” Villar said.
“You are fortunate because you don’t have to go that far.”
The seasoned legislator said local government officials should take Rizal as an example who displayed leadership qualities –intelligent, educated, brave, honorable, and love for country which was demonstrated by the ultimate sacrifice of his life.
The veteran lawmaker said every Filipino should learn from Rizal’s exemplary life, works and heroism, particularly among government leaders, while serving the country.
Villar was guest of honor during Rizal’s 158th birth anniversary celebration and the 6th Buhayani Festival themed, “Life of a Hero, Lives of Living Heroes”, at the hallowed grounds of the Rizal Shrine and Museum in Calamba City, Laguna.
Present at the event were national, provincial and city government officials, the Knights of Rizal, Kababaihang Rizalista, Rizal descendants, city hall employees, and city residents.
At the event, Villar also officiated the oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected city officials.
Villar urged local leaders that like parents, their role as public servants demand love, compassion and genuine public service for their constituents.
“Hindi biro at puno ng sakripisyo dahil lahat ng mga iyan ay kasama sa ating sinumpaang tungkulin at bahagi ng ating pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay habang tayo ay nasa ating mga pwesto o posisyon (It is not a joke and it is full of sacrifice because all of these are part of our sworn duties and are already part of our everyday life while serving our position),” she said.
“Every official must have the confidence and trust of his constituents.”
Villar said every official must have the confidence and trust of his constituents by demonstrating leadership, political will, ability and integrity, as they fulfill their campaign promises and implement programs and projects that redound to benefit the people.
She noted that the success of any local government unit depends on the mutual trust and cooperation between the leaders and their constituents.
Villar also led national and local leaders in the flag-raising and wreath-laying rites following the 21-gun salute of the Army’s honor guards at the monument of Jose Rizal as a child at the shrine’s yard.