IN DIFFICULT TIMES LIKE THIS, a polio-stricken young man has the self-assurance to smile – reflecting our brighter prospects for 2009. Little does he know that he forms part of the young population on whom Dr. Jose Rizal pinned his hopes before his execution 112 years ago – a sacrifice commemorated last December 30. The polio-stricken youth attended the occasion, hoping to acquire clients for his shoe-shining venture (made possible by the DSWD).      /photo by m16