Metro Manila, Philippines – Embody Philippine national hero Jose Rizal’s dedication to truth and commitment to the betterment of the people, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told Filipinos on Rizal Day, Dec. 30.
During Rizal’s 128th death anniversary, Marcos called on Filipinos to remember with pride the things that the hero cherished such as his love for the Philippines.
“Truly, it is through Dr. Rizal’s works that one can realize that true change can begin within us, especially when we stand firm on the issues that we face today. Let us be bold enough to be catalysts of change and hold on to the belief that each of us can contribute to the beloved Philippines that stands on the pillars of solidarity and progress,” the president said in a statement.
“Whether in service to our communities, in pursuit of knowledge, or in uplifting the marginalized, let us make decisions that will echo his resolve,” said Marcos.
Despite a rainy Monday morning, the chief executive honored the hero by laying a wreath at the Rizal Monument at Rizal Park in Manila.
LOOK: President Bongbong Marcos lays a wreath at the Jose Rizal monument at Rizal Park in Manila on the 128th anniversary of the hero's martyrdom | @dsfernandez pic.twitter.com/5ah6IFaNyY
— NewsWatch Plus PH (@newswatchplusph) December 29, 2024
Marcos’ family and other government officials attended the ceremony commemorating Rizal’s martyrdom.
Rizal, who was fighting for Philippine freedom from the Spanish colonial government, was executed by a firing squad at Bagumbayan – now Rizal Park – in 1896 for supposedly committing rebellion.
He wrote the novels “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” which aimed to expose the wrongdoings of Spanish rule.
