Marcos honors Rizal; thanks supporters

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the nation on Tuesday in commemorating the 129th anniversary of the martyrdom and heroism of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal Monument at the Luneta in Manila. 

The solemn ceremony, marked by a flag-raising and wreath-laying, was replicated simultaneously at the Rizal Shrine in Calamba, Laguna, and in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte, as well as at monuments across the country. 

Flags flew at half-staff nationwide in honor of Rizal, whose execution on 30 December 1896 sparked the Philippine Revolution and paved the way for the country’s independence after over three centuries of Spanish rule.

Joining the President were First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their children, NHCP Chair Regalado Trota Jose Jr., Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, AFP vice chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jimmy Larida, Knights of Rizal Supreme Commander Raymundo del Rosario, officials of national and local government agencies, the uniformed services, civil society groups, and members of the diplomatic corps.

This year’s Rizal Day carried the theme, “RIZAL: Sa Pagbangon ng mga Mamamayan, Aral at Diwa Mo ang Tunay na Gabay,” underscoring the enduring relevance of Rizal’s life and work as a guide for Filipinos facing contemporary challenges — from corruption and political discord to misinformation and social inequality.

Later in the day, President Marcos hosted the annual Pamaskong Handog Mula sa Pangulo at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium in Ermita, Manila. Some 2,000 longtime supporters of the Marcos family, led by Friends of Imelda Romualdez Marcos (FIRM) founding president Artemio Lachica, attended the event.

Joining him were the First Lady and their children, Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro,” Joseph Simon and William Vincent.

Addressing the crowd, Marcos expressed his deep gratitude for the loyalty and support the family has received over the years. 

“It is good to know that, despite the long years we have been together, our bond has not been broken, and we continue to remain united and to see one another,” he said.

He added, “Thus, my deepest thanks to you for your support. I can never fully repay the kindness you have shown us over the years. Perhaps we have been together for more than a decade now. Rest assured, we do not forget. You are always in our thoughts, and more importantly, you are always in our hearts.”

The Pamaskong Handog tradition reflects the Marcos family’s ongoing appreciation for their supporters, while Rizal Day serves as a reminder of the values of integrity, courage, and patriotism that continue to inspire the nation. Together, these events highlighted both national reflection and personal gratitude as the Philippines closes out 2025.