The Xavier University community gathered at the Lucas Hall grounds for a short but meaningful program
commemorating the 113th celebration of Philippine Independence and the 150th birth anniversary of Philippine National Hero Dr Jose P Rizal.

The hoisting of the Philippine flag, a 21-gun salute given by the Philippine Air Force and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem marked the celebration. A tribute to Rizal, considered the most famous Atenean, followed.

Poetry, interpretive dance and song presentations were staged in honor of Rizal who would have turned 150 years old on June 19.

“Dr Rizal was a living testament to the three C’s: competence, conscience, commitment,” said Fr Roberto C Yap SJ, XU President.

He described Rizal as a man of competence in the sciences and the arts and letters. He was a renowned doctor and writer of two great novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, that played a significant role in our country’s independence and have become part of the canon of world literature.

Fr Yap also cited Rizal’s great social conscience, listening to the “voice of truth, morality, and of God,” and Rizal’s deep commitment to the country that he laid down his life in exchange for our freedom.

“He was a true Atenean,” Fr Yap remarked. He urged the people in attendance to be inspired by the values that Rizal exemplified in his life.

“Dr Jose P Rizal, bayani at kapwa Atenista [hero and fellow Atenean]," Fr Yap iterated.