Sen. Bong Go joined the country in honoring the life and works of Dr. Jose Rizal during the latter's 126th death anniversary on Friday, 30 December.

Go likewise recognized the patriotism of the country's modern-day heroes who have been emulating the legacy of Rizal, particularly during these unprecedented times.

"As we celebrate the life and works of Dr. Jose Rizal, let this also be the time to pay tribute to our frontliners who have been sacrificing their lives and exhibiting compassion to the Filipino people in the same way that Rizal demonstrated during his time," remarked Go.

"Let us continue and strengthen further our bayanihan efforts among us, Filipinos. Let Rizal's courage and wisdom be our inspiration to move forward and help one another to get back on our feet, especially since we are still in the midst of a global health crisis," he encouraged.

It can be recalled that Go represented the Philippine Senate in the unveiling of the ceremonial plaque commemorating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Spain at the Jose Rizal Monument, Avenida de las Islas Filipinas in Madrid, Spain after the parliamentary visit in France last October.

"Ngayong araw naman, magbigay pugay tayo sa ating bayaning si Dr. Jose Rizal na ang mga paniniwala at adbokasiya ay patuloy na nagbibigay-inspirasyon sa ating mga Pilipino mula noon hanggang ngayon," he added.

Go continues to give recognition to the late hero as he underlined the significant contributions of Rizal to society. The senator added that through the writings of Rizal, which mainly focused on individual rights and freedom, the latter was able to prove that the "pen is mightier than the sword".

Inspired by Rizal's peaceful way of protecting the welfare of his fellow Filipinos, the senator likewise committed to continue working for and providing service to the public to the best of his capacity.

"Ang kanyang mga panulat ay naging mitsa upang mabuhay sa dibdib ng iba pa nating mga bayani ang pagnanais na maging isang malayang bansa ang Pilipinas noong panahon ng himagsikan. Bukod sa pagiging manunulat at makata, isa rin siyang doktor, siyentipiko at bihasa sa iba't ibang wika. Ang kanyang husay at talino ay kinikilala maging ng ibang bansa," Go highlighted.

Citing that bayanihan is a distinguished mark of Filipino culture, the senator then expressed his optimism about the new year ahead.

"Gawin nating tanglaw ang ating dakilang bayaning si Dr. Jose Rizal sa pagsapit ng Bagong Taon—na sumisimbolo sa panibagong pag-asa," he concluded.