On the 127th anniversary of Rizal Day, President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. encouraged Filipinos to imitate the martyrdom of the national hero and show genuine love of country.
“On the 127th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal, I thus enjoin all of you to keep emulating the timeless values we can learn from his life and works,” Marcos said is his message on Saturday, December 30.
“With our meaningful commemoration, may the ideals and spirit of Dr. Jose Rizal live on as we fully realize the Philippines that he and his contemporaries fought hard for,” he added.
Marcos believes that even in this day and age and more than a century since his death, Rizal's influence could still be felt.
He urged Filipinos to strive to walk with the same purpose, passion, and nationalism in “our every endeavor so we may overcome all the challenges that stand in our way towards achieving a brighter tomorrow.”
“With our meaningful commemoration, may the ideals and spirit of Dr. Jose Rizal live on as we fully realize the Philippines that he and his contemporaries fought hard for,” Marcos said.
The President attended the flag and wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Memorial Park with FIrst Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their three children, including Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos.
Also seen attending the ceremony were Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Emmanuel Calairo, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Romeo Brawner, and Knights of Rizal Supreme Commander Raymundo del Rosario.
Rizal was executed by the Spanish colonial rulers after his writings – novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo – sparked rebellion. He was executed in Bagumbayan, now Luneta, in Manila on December 30, 1896.
