QUEZON CITY -- As the country observes the 125th anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal's martyrdom, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) encourages Filipino citizens to follow the example of our National Hero by strengthening their individual self-discipline especially during this time of pandemic.
More than two years since the COVID-19 pandemic, DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año reminds the public to practice individual self-discipline, particularly in adhering to the minimum public health standards (MPHS) and in getting vaccinated as well as sharing the right information about COVID-19 prevention and its vaccines.
“As the new year is about to begin, I encourage people to rediscover self-discipline as exemplified by Dr. Jose Rizal's life and writings. Discipline is the key for us to implement in our personal and professional lives new year resolutions. BIDA ang bawat disiplinadong Pilipino. Disiplina Muna,” Año said.
The DILG Chief said that Rizal's embodiment of discipline is one of the reasons he was chosen as the official icon of the Department's “Disiplina Muna” national advocacy campaign and subsequent “BIDA ang May Disiplina: Solusyon sa COVID-19” campaign, which aims to rebuild the culture of discipline in our country. It aims to encourage people to do their shared responsibility in the fight against COVID-19 by practicing “BIDA Plus” behaviors: B - Bawal walang mask; I - I-sanitize ang mga kamay, iwas-hawak sa mga bagay; D - Dumitansya ng isang metro; and A - Alamin ang totoong impormasyon, plus getting vaccinated.
With the upcoming New Year revelries, Año urged local chief executives to remind their constituents to avoid the three Cs type of places to prevent the spread of COVID-19: crowded places, confined and closed spaced with poor ventilation, and close-contact settings, especially where people have close-range conversations as prescribed in DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2020-116.
“Samantalahin natin ang panahong ito upang gumawa ng mga magagandang alaala na kasama natin ang ating mga mahal sa buhay, ngunit huwag nating kalilimutang pairalin ang disiplina sa loob ng ating mga tahanan lalo’t higit sa ating mga pamayanan, para sa mas payapa at masayang pagsalubong sa isang bagong taon,” Año said.
The DILG Secretary reminded the public not to use illegal fireworks during the new year. He said that the police are authorized to confiscate and destroy prohibited or illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
Rizal Day activities
Meanwhile, DILG Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya urged local government units to join the simultaneous flag-raising and wreath-laying rites commemorating the 125th anniversary of the Martyrdom of Jose Rizal on December 30, 2021 at 7:00 am with the theme, “Rizal: Para sa Agham, Katotohanan, at Buhay.” The rites, to be led by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), will be conducted at the Rizal National Monument, Rizal Park, Manila; Museo ni Jose Rizal, Calamba Laguna; Museo ni Jose Rizal, Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte; and Museo ni Jose Rizal, Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila.
The public may watch online, through the NHCP’s website and official Facebook page, the unveiling of the “Jose Rizal historical marker” and 3D Jose Rizal Statue at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Compound, Bicutan, Taguig to honor Jose Rizal and his contributions in the field of science. (DILG)
