Heroism in times of crisis

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

At the rate events and developments in the country are going, Filipinos tend to turn to the examples set by simple folk to emphasize that, despite the hardships and difficulties, there is still hope in the goodness of man. Such people serve as our heroes worthy of emulation.

Lest we forget the significance of this day because of the frenzied preparations for the New Year, let us take time to ponder on the achievements and vision of national hero, Jose Rizal, whose 110th death anniversary we are commemorating today. Had Rizal been alive today, what might be his thoughts on the pending Charter change, the calamities that have devastated many parts of the country, the grandstanding of some politicians, the coming national elections in May, the bickering of officials in government to the point of bloodshed, and many other burning issues? Or, is he turning in his grave because of the things happening to our beloved Motherland?

While Rizal never had the opportunity to prove what more he can do for the country, perhaps he would be happy to note that, indeed, he was vindicated when he said that the youth is the hope of our Motherland.

Of late, the youth have proven that they are not all sugar and spice and everything nice, but that they too can be responsible, as pointed out by Twinkling in her column the other day. The three young people who figured prominently in the tragic fire in Ormoc the day after Christmas are icons of courage and unity in the midst of adversity. For them and their families, they will surely greet the New Year with renewed faith and gratitude to the Lord. They are our living heroes.

For other modern-day heroes who, like Rizal, laid down their lives as supreme sacrifice, life will have to go on, like the young family orphaned by police officer Winnie Temprosa of Dumaguete who offered his life so that even his assailant is given hope for what lies ahead. Let us savor life anew and thank the Almighty for the blessings of the previous year and for hope and peace in the coming year. Happy New Year to everyone!*