On December 30, 2024, the City College of Angeles (CCA) marked Rizal Day with a solemn flag-raising ceremony led by Dr. Frankie Villanueva, President of CCA, on behalf of Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. The event was attended by CCA employees and teachers from the Department of Education in Angeles City, all coming together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines.
The ceremony began with the ceremonial raising of the Philippine flag, followed by a moment of silence in tribute to Dr. Rizal, whose sacrifices for the country’s freedom continue to inspire generations. Dr. Villanueva delivered a speech highlighting Rizal’s pivotal role in the nation’s fight for independence and his profound influence on Filipino identity.
In his speech, Mayor Lazatin expressed his admiration for Rizal’s dedication to the pursuit of freedom, saying, “Today, we honor the life and legacy of our national hero, Dr. José Rizal. He dedicated his life in the pursuit of freedom. In the face of death, Rizal proved his unwavering loyalty and love for his country.” His words reminded the attendees of Rizal’s ultimate sacrifice for the Philippines’ independence from Spanish colonial rule.
The flag-raising ceremony served as an important occasion to reflect on the values Dr. Rizal stood for—freedom, justice, and nationalism. These ideals continue to resonate in the ongoing efforts of the Filipino people to create a just and prosperous society, one that Rizal envisioned in his writings.
Teachers from the Department of Education in Angeles City also participated in the event, symbolizing the role of education in carrying forward Rizal’s advocacy for learning and critical thinking. Education was a key pillar in Rizal’s vision for a better Philippines, and the ceremony emphasized the importance of educating future generations on his life and contributions.
The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the city’s commitment to upholding Rizal’s values. It was a reminder to everyone present to continue striving for the ideals that Rizal fought for—unity, patriotism, and a strong sense of national identity.
Through this event, the city of Angeles once again demonstrated its commitment to honoring its national heroes and promoting the values they stood for, ensuring that Dr. José Rizal’s legacy will live on in the hearts of every Filipino.
Summary: On Rizal Day, Dr. Frankie Villanueva led the flag-raising ceremony at CCA on behalf of Mayor Lazatin, commemorating Dr. José Rizal’s life and legacy. The event, attended by CCA staff and DepEd teachers, highlighted Rizal’s dedication to freedom and the importance of education in shaping future generations.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
