Rizal Day in the Philippines, celebrated on 30th December each year, holds profound significance as a commemoration of the life and legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero.

This occasion gains added relevance in the contemporary context of the ongoing tensions with China in the West Philippine Sea. Examining the relevance of celebrating Rizal Day against this backdrop unveils the enduring wisdom and guidance that Rizal's ideals offer to the Filipino people.

Even after a Spanish firing squad executed him on 30 December 1896, Jose Rizal's dedication to Philippine nationalism shines bright, lighting the way for the nation, especially in the face of external challenges.

His writings, including the novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," emphasized the importance of national identity and the struggle for freedom. As the Philippines navigates territorial disputes with China in the West Philippine Sea, Rizal's legacy becomes a rallying point for national unity and a reminder of the intrinsic value of sovereignty.

Rizal's emphasis on the Filipinos' duty to protect their homeland aligns with the contemporary need to assert territorial rights and safeguard national interests.

Celebrating Rizal Day becomes a reaffirmation of the enduring spirit of Filipino nationalism, inspiring citizens to stand united against any threat to their territorial integrity.

No less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to emulate Dr. Jose Rizal's "genuine love" for the Philippines and be inspired by his "deep and personal sense of ownership of the motherland and future."

Marcos graced this year's commemoration of Rizal Day and wreath-laying activity at the Rizal Monument, Luneta Park, Manila, on Saturday morning.

"On the 127th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal, I thus enjoin all of you to keep emulating the timeless values we can learn from his life and works," Marcos said in his message.

Vice President Sara Duterte, on the other hand, urged Filipinos to honor Jose Rizal's life and be inspired by the national hero's legacy.

"Today, as we honor our beloved Dr. Jose Rizal, let us honor his life and enduring influence, and let his legacy inspire each one of us once more," Duterte said in her Rizal Day message.

In the meantime, the House of Representatives called on Filipinos to foster unity and cherish the Philippines' culture in observance of the martyrdom of the national hero.

Speaker Martin Romualdez gave credit to the legacy of Rizal, who the country considered as a visionary whose profound insights and steadfast dedication to freedom played a fundamental role in shaping the Philippines' national identity.

Rizal, known for his intellectual prowess, advocated for peaceful means to address grievances and promote reforms. His approach emphasized the power of education, reason, and diplomacy. In the context of the West Philippine Sea tensions, where diplomatic efforts play a pivotal role, Rizal's legacy reminds us of the importance of engaging in dialogue and adhering to international norms.