( Speech of Dr benedict Edward Valdez president of MCFI AND DIRECTOR of Institute of emergency trauma and critical care)
Today, we gather not merely to commemorate José Rizal, but to awaken the dormant spirit of change that lies within us. His legacy, a flickering flame of courage, intellect, and relentless pursuit of justice, beckons us to action.
As a doctor in trauma and critical care, I stand as a living testament to how Rizal’s ideals can ignite transformative impact. My journey through Mindanao has reshaped trauma response, guided by the whispers of his wisdom.
I speak on behalf of the Maharlika Charity Foundation, Inc., a vessel of hope that has touched the lives of over 4,000 children across Mindanao. We have embarked on over 150 missions, weaving a tapestry of compassion that transcends mere charity. The Maharlika Charity Foundation is establishing clinics tlhroughout Mindanao, with plans to expand its reach to cover five regions—Regions 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12—within the next three years, specifically focusing on the treatment of clubfoot. Our work also promises care, fostering a brighter, more peaceful, and loving disposition for families.
Our specialized clinics serve as sanctuaries for healing. But our mission extends beyond treatment; it is about illuminating the path toward a hopeful future.
As we reflect on our forebears, we cannot ignore the towering figure of Rizal. His words echo through time, urging us to become the architects of our destiny.
Rizal’s *Noli Me Tangere* and *El Filibusterismo* are not just novels; they are call-to-arms against the shadows of oppression. **Can we, too, wield our words as weapons?** Let us rise as voices for the voiceless, amplifying the cries of the marginalized.
He recognized education as a birthright. **Are we the champions of knowledge in a world that often forgets?** In trauma care, education is salvation. We must forge a new generation of healers, armed with knowledge and compassion.
Rizal’s vision of nationalism beckons us to embrace our identity while engaging with the world. **What does it mean to love our country today?** It is about weaving the threads of diversity into a rich tapestry that confronts global challenges.
He called for peace and reform. **Can we transform our anger into understanding?** Let us unite through dialogue, for each of us holds the power to ignite change in our communities.
In my role as an educator, I have glimpsed the profound impact of training. **What does ideal trauma care look like?** It is a dance of preservation and compassion, echoing Rizal’s unwavering commitment to our people.
**Engineers**, take heed! Draw inspiration from Rizal to innovate solutions that address social issues—build bridges not just of steel, but of empathy and resilience.
**Architects**, you hold the power to shape our environment and communities. Let your designs resonate with Rizal’s legacy by promoting spaces that foster inclusivity, sustainability, and cultural heritage. Create structures that not only serve their purpose but also inspire hope and unity among the people.
**Lawyers**, you are the guardians of justice, navigating the labyrinth of laws and ethics. In a world where truth often wears a mask, can you uncover the hidden narratives? Let your voices rise like echoes through the corridors of power, advocating for those who cannot speak. Engage in battles that uplift the marginalized, illuminating the shadows of injustice with the light of your conviction.
**Law Enforcers**, you are the sentinels of our society, standing at the forefront of justice and order. In an age where trust can be fragile, can you embody the principles of fairness and integrity? Your role is not just to enforce laws but to foster a sense of security and community. Let your actions resonate with compassion, and strive to build bridges with those you protect. In every encounter, seek to understand the stories behind the faces you meet, for true justice is rooted in empathy.
**Teachers**, you are the custodians of knowledge and culture, the architects of minds. In a world on Thea brink of forgetting its roots, can you weave the fabric of our history into the hearts of the young? Your classrooms are not mere spaces; they are sanctuaries where the seeds of nationalism and progress are sown. Embrace the power of education as a tool for preservation and enlightenment, nurturing critical thinkers who will carry forth the torch of our heritage. In every lesson, let us celebrate our culture, fostering a sense of identity that empowers the next generation to rise and honor the legacy of those who came before.
**Judges**, you are the custodians of truth, standing at the crossroads of justice and mercy. In an arena where decisions shape destinies, can you discern the whispers of justice amidst the clamor? Let your rulings resonate with integrity, balancing the scales with wisdom and compassion. Listen not just to the words spoken, but to the stories woven into each case. Your role is not merely to adjudicate but to inspire faith in a system that must uphold our shared humanity.
Rizal valued the art of discourse. **Are we prepared to engage in the dance of ideas?** Let us challenge the confines of our beliefs and seek the elusive threads that connect us.
He recognized the strength of women. **What legacy shall we leave for the dreamers of tomorrow?** Let every girl dare to dream and every woman rise to lead. The fight for equality is ours to champion.
In this age of information, **how shall we wield our knowledge?** Embrace scientific inquiry to confront the existential threats that loom before us. Our quest for understanding is more vital than ever.
Finally, in his unwavering commitment to peace, Rizal taught us that understanding can bridge the deepest divides. **Can we, too, strive for harmony amidst chaos?** In a world rife with conflict, let us champion dialogue over discord, empathy over apathy, and compassion over indifference. Each small act of kindness, each moment of understanding, can ripple out and create waves of change.
In a time when challenges seem insurmountable, let us draw strength from Rizal’s legacy. Let us be the change-makers, the advocates, the artists, the thinkers, and the leaders our world so desperately needs. Together, we can create a brighter future, one where every life is valued and preserved, just as we have strived to do in trauma and emergency care across Mindanao.
As we reflect on Rizal’s enduring spirit, let us ask ourselves: **Will you join me in this quest for justice, knowledge, and peace?** Together, we can transform our world into a canvas of action.
In these tumultuous times, let us draw strength from Rizal’s legacy and become the change-makers our world so desperately needs. Together, we can craft a future where every life is cherished and every dream is nurtured.
Thank you.
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