CALAMBA CITY, Laguna — As the city celebrated on Tuesday the 157th birth anniversary of national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, two natives of the city were recognized for their respective heroic feats and valor making them the true heroes in their own generation.
“Gawad Buhayani” was conferred posthumously to the late Capt. Geronimo Aclan who embodied the values, ideals and patriotism of Rizal during World War II as a member of the Philippine Army Air Corps (the forerunner of the Philippine Air Force).
Historical accounts revealed that then Lt. Aclan joined the 6th Squadron led by then Capt. Jesus Villamor (Col. Jesús Villamor Air Base was named in his honor) in fighting against the superior Japanese Air Force during World War II.
Aclan escaped the infamous death March and after the war became a commercial pilot of the Philippine Airlines prior to his death.
The award was received by Aclan’s nearest kin during the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Corporal Jaffee O. Amisola of the Philippine Army was awarded the “Gawad Buhayani” for his heroics during the Liberation of Marawi last year.
Calamba Mayor Justin Marc Chipeco, in his speech, said the life and works of Dr. Jose Rizal, native of the city, “serve as guide in every day affairs of our lives and inspiration of every generation through his ideals of “country first before self”.
This, he said, is exemplified by those who offered their lives for the nation’s sakes in the past and present generation.
He quoted Rizal’s famous work saying,” I do not write for this generation. I am writing for other ages. The generation which interprets my writing will be educated generation, they will understand me and say…not all were asleep in the nightmare of our grandparents.”
Chipeco added that Rizal’s writings sparked nationalism during those times as it is today where he acknowledged the Calambeños who have shown their heroism in the present age, the reason for the celebration of “Buhayani” festival, a celebration inspired by Rizal, culminating on his birth anniversary every June 19.
Various tributes by city officials and constituents were demonstrated with wreath laying and floral offerings in various Rizal monuments in the city; the “Gawad Buhayani” awarding ceremony; and a grand parade with floats, street dancing, and contingents from business sector, schools and colleges, government and barangay officials, and non-government organizations (NGOs) clad in Rizal’s attire.
The mayor said each one might have different dreams in life with many ways to achieve them, in different fields of endeavors, but being a Calambeño, each one will strive not only for oneself but for the good of others as well.
“As Calambeños, may Rizal remain alive in our mind, and to the youth where Rizal offered his golden teachings,” he said. (PNA)
