MANILA, Philippines- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, Dec. 30 called on Filipinos nationwide to choose the country over personal interests as they commemorated Rizal Day, urging them to follow the life and martyrdom of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal as a guide in facing present-day challenges.
Marcos delivered his Rizal Day message as the country marked the 129th anniversary of Rizal’s execution, which the government annually observes to honor the patriot’s role in awakening Filipino nationalism under Spanish colonial rule.
He stated that Rizal, through his writings and martyrdom, awakened the Filipino sense of identity and demonstrated that Filipinos deserve dignity, freedom, and the power to determine their own future.
Marcos urged citizens to deepen their resolve to live by the values that he said Rizal embodied, which he identified as love of country, respect for truth, a tireless pursuit of just reform, and the courage to speak and act for what is right.
He called on Filipinos, especially the youth whom Rizal often addressed in his writings, to combine patriotism with responsible citizenship so they could better serve the country.
Marcos said that in every act of integrity and every stand for truth, Filipinos keep Rizal’s dreams alive and move closer to what he described as a shared vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas” or New Philippines.
He linked the observance of Rizal Day to ongoing efforts to promote national unity and reform, stating that the commemoration serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with the freedoms Filipinos enjoy today.
The President delivered his message as government offices, local government units, schools, and civic organizations across the country held wreath-laying ceremonies, flag-raising rites, and other activities to honor Rizal’s contributions to Philippine history.