Meet the region’s national heroes and their contribution to freedom of speech

Nestled in the heart of the Philippines, Calabarzon stands as a testament to the nation's rich colonial past of heroes and revolutionaries who chose to be anything other than silent. They stood up for the ideals of freedom and independence, even if, especially, it cost them their lives. 

This unfathomable spirit of valor gave the region a legacy that continues to shape its present and future. Giving the generation of today the confidence to be loud, to point fingers at discriminators, perpetrators, and traitors to the people of the land. To speak up when trampled upon. To look at the devil in his eyes and dance mercilessly on his lawn.

Among these instigators is our national hero, Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal. Growing up in Calamba, Laguna, on a silver spoon, he used his privilege of education (at the time) to awaken the consciousness of the oppressed through his literature: ‘Noli Me Tangere (touch me not),’ and ‘El Filibusterismo (the reign of greed).’ Up until today, he has taught generations to fight with pen and paper and to do it well-informed. 

In terms of politics, we have Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini, Claro M. Recto, and Jose P. Laurel to thank. Their leadership and strong sense of nationalism encapsulated the cries of many Filipinos for justice. 

In modern times, the fight for truth continues to be a struggle. With various social media platforms existing today, it’s difficult to control the vast amount of information on screen.

Yet, amidst these challenges, let us dedicate ourselves to the values they fought and died for. We may not be exactly taught how to be loud, but we know when to be silent and when to not. Hence, as the hopes of tomorrow, let us open our eyes and be our country’s future figures of speech.