President Bongbong Marcos and family led the observance of the 126th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal—the country's national hero—in solemn ceremony on Friday morning, 30 December at Rizal Park.

The ceremony included Marcos laying a wreath at the Rizal National Monument, followed by the raising of the national colors.

Assisting Marcos were First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and their sons, Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos, Simon, and Vincent.

In his message, Marcos paid tribute to Rizal's life and work that awakened Filipinos to the injustice, corruption, and oppressive acts of colonizer Spain.

"He did this unflinchingly, not through a violent uprising, but through a peaceful protest using the power of the pen," he said.

Marcos said Rizal's martyrdom can make Filipinos "reflect on the kind of life" they want to live.

"After all, true heroism does not only mean offering your life for your country but also fighting your own silent battles and working within your capacities to bring about a better future for the present and succeeding generations," he said.

Rizal, born in Calamba, Laguna on 16 June 1861, was an ophthalmologist by profession. Awareness of the abuses of Spanish regime led him to write the novels 'Noli Me Tangere' and 'El Filibusterismo,' which fired up the likes of Andres Bonifacio to lead the Philippine Revolution.

Rizal was arrested, tried for rebellion, sedition and conspiracy, and executed by musketry at Bagumbayan field on 30 December 1896.