On the eve of the 129th anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom, a young congressman issued a potent challenge to the nation’s youth, calling on them to become the “next generation of heroes” and embody the patriotic spirit of the national hero to combat modern-day ills of corruption and entrenched political power.
In a statement laden with both inspiration and implicit critique, 1Tahanan Partylist Representative Cong. Nathan Oducado (36) reframed the commemoration of Rizal’s death on December 30 as a call to action for the living. He emphasized that the true tribute lies not in remembrance alone, but in emulation.
“Our national hero believed in the power of youth and the power of new voices to become agents of justice and change,” Oducado stated. “Rizal was only 35 years old when he died but he made every year of his life count. He was not a god or a superhuman, he was an ordinary Filipino man. But we remember him because of the extraordinary things he has done for others.”
A Blueprint for Modern Heroism
Oducado drew direct parallels between Rizal’s era and the present, outlining a blueprint for contemporary activism. He stressed that today’s youth, like Rizal, must use their “intellect and voice to expose corruption and inspire change” within their communities. He underscored that heroism is accessible, stating, “Ordinary people like us can do extraordinary things.”
The lawmaker’s message carried a sharp political edge, clearly targeting the systemic issue of political dynasties—a cause he has previously championed in Congress. “Rizal was not part of any political or powerful clan,” Oducado highlighted, “but he saw himself as part of a generation that used their education and talents to engage society and work for change.”
He contrasted this with a veiled condemnation of current practices: “Nor did he use his relative privilege to enrich himself and his family, but rather proved his worth and heart for his countrymen through diligence, sacrifice, and service to others.”
A Warning Against “Main Character” Syndrome
In a notable admonition to peers in public service and aspiring youth leaders, Oducado warned against the pitfalls of ego and self-aggrandizement. He urged them to “resist the temptation to use the platforms we have for mere self-promotion.”
“We must never act as though we are the ‘main characters’ of the story and distract the public away from the real issues,” he emphasized. “We must work with utmost care and humility so that we do not take attention away from ordinary Filipinos, who suffer most from the greed and corruption that marks our time.”
Answering the Call of the Times
Oducado concluded by framing the challenge as a historical imperative. “We need to echo and embody the real and urgent calls of the everyday people against corruption and the concentration of power, in the same way Rizal echoed and embodied such calls in his time,” he said.
His final words served as both a rallying cry and a pointed observation on the current political landscape: “In a government dominated by a few surnames, let’s answer the call to be this generation’s new Rizals.”
Context & Implications:
The statement, released ahead of Rizal Day, strategically uses the symbol of the national hero to advocate for civic engagement and systemic political reform. It aligns the historic fight against colonial oppression with the modern struggle against corruption and dynastic politics, seeking to mobilize a new generation by framing patriotism as active, critical, and selfless participation in national life.#
