Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 30) — As Filipinos commemorated the life of Jose Rizal on Saturday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged them to emulate the national hero’s values and “passionately contribute” their talents for the country’s development.
Marcos said this in a statement after leading the wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal National Monument in Manila on the 127th anniversary of the hero’s martyrdom.
“Today, we celebrate the brilliance of Dr. Jose Rizal, a beacon of love for our nation,” he wrote. “His legacy reminds us that true greatness lies in dedicating our talents to our fellow Filipinos.”
In a separate message, the president also encouraged Filipinos to mirror Rizal’s patriotism by putting into action the lessons that can be learned from his life and works.
“I also call on everyone to let the genuine love for the country that he lived out and later died for propel us to have a deep and personal sense of ownership for our land and our future,” Marcos said.
RELATED: Marcos challenges Filipinos to have ‘deep sense of pride,’ ‘ownership’ of lands
Vice President Sara Duterte, in her own Rizal Day message, enjoined Filipinos to work for the rights of the marginalized and underrepresented.
Duterte said Rizal’s legacy should not be confined to history books, as she issued a call to action.
\”Let us continue the vision that Rizal ignited and expand his legacy through the causes and dreams we champion in our time,\” the vice president said. \”We must be brave in work for reforms and innovations, even if it means making significant sacrifices.\”
