In the words of this year’s YRA recipient Ms. Jea P. Laroza, “Dr. Jose P. Rizal only lived for thirty-five years, although short, his life was full and meaningful. He accomplished more than other people who had the privilege to live longer. He lived his life continuously learning and not only learning but also doing. He learned various languages, different areas of studies, different areas of art and he applied his education to his pursuit of equality and freedom for the inhabitants of the Philippines. On his way to this goal, he also proved to the Filipinos, the Spaniards, and the rest of the nations, that we are not inferior to them, that we are their equals and that we can excel in any area that we choose. He showed them that the people they treated as slaves have great potential. He also stood as a role model to the Filipino youth.”
Dr. Adam Allen Agpalza eloquently articulated that “Dr. Jose P. Rizal was a man of deep intellect, courage and humility. His defense of human dignity and social justice was a product of the comprehensive education that he received and so strongly valued. Even through harsh persecution, he continued to serve his countrymen in a determined pursuit of freedom and independence. His embrace of higher education, academic discipline, and scholastic excellence serves as a motivational standard that transcends all races even today.”
The 2013 Knights of Rizal Youth Recognition Award recipients are; Ms. Angelu dela Cruz, Mr. Gracieux Gerrard Mendoza, Ms. Ada Carria Calvo Timog, Mr. Johannes Paulo Austria, Ms. Patricia Anne Joven, Ms. Princesca Reyes, Ms. Arielle Villarin, Ms. Louie Angela Concepcion, Mr. Tim Jason Cruz Robles, Ms. Claudine Bianca Cheng Ordonez, Ms. Gerald Bianca Cruz Patriarca, Ms. Jea Patricia Laroza and Mr. Francis Austin Sicio Diaz.
