Following Rizal's footsteps towards building a united Filipino nation

In commemorating Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary, let us take time to look back on the wise words shared by our beloved national hero who fervently rallied for building a nation of peace.

"Hate only creates monsters; crime, criminals; only love can work wonders, only virtue redeem. If our country is one day to be free, it will not be through vice and crime, it will not be through the corruption of its sons, some deceived, others bribed; redemption presupposes virtue; virtue, sacrifice; and sacrifice, love."
-Padre Florentino in El Filibusterismo

"I do not mean to say that our freedom must be won at the point of the sword; the sword now counts for very little in the destinies of our times; but I do say that we must win our freedom by deserving it, by improving the mind and enhancing the dignity of the individual, loving what is just, what is good, what is great, to the point of dying for it. When a people reach these heights, God provides the weapon, and the idols and the tyrants fall like a house of cards, and freedom shines in the first dawn."
-"The Philippines, A Century Hence"

The glory of saving a country is not for him who has contributed to its ruin.
-El Filibusterismo

What is the use of independence if the slaves of today will be the tyrants of tomorrow? And no doubt they will, because whoever submits to tyranny loves it!
-El Filibusterismo

We want the happiness of the Philippines, but we want to obtain it through noble and just means. If I have to commit villainy to make her happy, I would refuse to do so, because I am sure that what is built on sand sooner or later would tumble down.
-Letter to Blumentritt,

I go where there are no slaves, hangmen or oppressors;
Where faith does not kill; where the one who reigns is God.
-"Mi Ultimo Adios"