Guv urges Ilocano Rizalists to promote patriotism, social justice

By Ben P. Pacris

Thursday 21st of June 2012

VIGAN CITY, June 21 (PIA) -- The governor and the national chairman of the League of Provinces of the Philippines urged Ilocanos to promote the spirit of patriotism as a key to attain peace, solidarity, and prosperity.

Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson made the call during the 151st birth anniversary celebration of the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, held at the Lyric Hall in this historical heritage city. The annual floral offering at the foot of Dr. Rizal at Plaza Salcedo was led by Singson, together with government officials and employees, students and teachers, and the members of the Order of the Knights of Rizal (OKOR) – Ilocos Sur Chapter.

“Let us exhort our citizenry to emulate and practice the examples and teachings of our national hero to uphold freedom and promote social justices and general welfare,” Singson said.

“The country needs patriotic and civic organizations such as the Knight of Rizal to demonstrate the Rizalian virtues to fight poverty and hunger and attain the government’s economic socio-economic goals,” Singson added.

In extolling the life and martyrdom of Rizal, Board Member Jeremias “Jerry” Singson, Supreme Chancellor of OKOR, said that the national hero believed in the brotherhood of men irrespective of creed and nationalities, in universal peace and justice and in the happiness and welfare of humanity.

The former vice governor also emphasized that this patriotic and international organization will expand its chapters in all barangays of Ilocos Sur as part of the vision of the Supreme Council in “Rizalizing” the country.

Dr. Enrie Mendoza II, OKOR’s Regional Commander of Northern Luzon, said that the greatness of the powerful novels “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” will inspire our people especially the youth in fighting tyranny as Rizal envisioned “a new world order in which men are free of tyranny and slavery where justice reigns.” (ANL/BPP-PIA 1, Ilocos Sur)