President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the commemoration of the 128th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Luneta in Manila on Monday.

The inclement weather let up when Marcos arrived at 7 a.m.

The President was accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their sons, Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro, Simon and Vincent.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chair Regalado Jose Jr., and Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto were present at the event.

In his message, Marcos said Rizal’s legacy continues to inspire generations since he made the ultimate sacrifice in 1896.

“Dr. Jose Rizal’s vision of a just and forward-thinking society is no less alive today than it was more than a century ago,” he said.

“As we remember his noble works and honorable life, let us take to heart his words and ideals that awakened the consciousness of our forebears and stirred a national movement for freedom,” the President added.

He called on Filipinos to “look back in pride and embody” all that Rizal cherished, such as love of country, dedication to the truth, and commitment to the betterment of the Filipino people.

“Truly, it is through Dr. Rizal’s works that one can realize that true change can begin within us, especially when we stand firm on the issues that we face today. Let us be bold enough to be catalysts of change and hold on to the belief that each of us can contribute to the beloved Philippines that stands on the pillars of solidarity and progress,” Marcos said.

The Chief Executive encouraged the public to make decisions that echo Rizal’s resolve “whether in service to our communities, in the pursuit of knowledge, or in uplifting the marginalized.”

“May we rise as a nation, ever unyielding, in our shared quest for a brighter and stronger Bagong Pilipinas that we can be proud of,” Marcos said.

On 30 December 1896, Dr. Rizal was executed by firing squad for the crime of rebellion. He was instrumental in the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish occupation through his novels Noli Me Tangere, written in 1887, and El Filibusterismo, written in 1891.

The two pieces of literature depicted the harsh realities faced by Filipinos which ignited a sense of nationalism and a longing for change.