What makes Rizal current and significant is the idea that intelligence is the best weapon and that spirit is the best force in life. He became an intellectual by studying, absorbing and reflecting on ideas that he gained from school and experience and by using his intellect to formulate solutions to the problems that the country faced during his time.
He did not stop there. He embodied his ideas by risking his life and ultimately offering it to the sacred altar of freedom.
He did not stop there. He embodied his ideas by risking his life and ultimately offering it to the sacred altar of freedom.
Today, the Secretary of the Department of Education, Mr. Jesli Lapus, was quoted in the newspapers as lamenting the current state of education in the country. He says that education has sunk to its lowest level. He is not just talking about the low pay and the limited school buildings and facilities. He is also talking about the low level of competency of most of the teachers.
It is certain that Mr. Lapus knows what he is talking about. He knows too that the problem is systemic and the product of several years of neglect.
However, it should also be pointed out that the capability of the students is also an important factor in the process of producing outstanding graduates.
The question is: Do we have students who have the intelligence and spirit of Rizal?
Several young people, like Rizal, have offered their lives in the struggle against the Marcos dictatorship, for instance. It is safe to assume, therefore, that the Filipinos are not lacking in spirit. Now, is it safe to assume that anyone out there has the solution to the country’s problems? This is the question that I’d like to invite you to think about.
Happy New Year po!
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