President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday urged the country to keep the “embers of nationalism alive” during the commemoration of the 123rd death anniversary of hero Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park in Davao City.

In his message to the country, Duterte stressed on Rizal’s “ardent love of country” which “led to a reawakening of the Filipinos’ patriotism and sense of responsibility” as the people face the challenges of “apathy and divisiveness” in the world today.

The President also motivated Filipinos to keep nationalism alive as did Rizal more than 120 years ago and urged the Filipino youth and future generations to emulate the hero’s “shining example to always think of the greater good.”

Duterte was joined by Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and other government officials in laying the wreath as a tribute to the Filipino hero and to celebrate his luminous life and legacy to the nation.

Go, meantime, stressed that in order to continue the legacy of Jose Rizal and other heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country, Filipinos should emulate their example by serving others and by always protecting the liberty that Filipinos enjoy today.