President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led the nation in commemorating the 129th anniversary of the heroism and martyrdom of national hero José Rizal during rites held at the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park, Manila.

The President was joined by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and their children, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chair Regalado Trota Jose Jr., Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso, Armed Forces of the Philippines Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jimmy Larida, Knights of Rizal Supreme Commander Raymundo del Rosario, as well as officials from national government agencies, local government units, uniformed services, civil society organizations, and members of the diplomatic corps.

The commemoration featured traditional flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Rizal Monument. Simultaneous programs were also held at the Rizal Shrine in Calamba City, Laguna, Rizal’s birthplace; the Rizal Shrine in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte; and at various Rizal monuments across the country.

The NHCP said this year’s Rizal Day observance carried the theme, “RIZAL: Sa Pagbangon ng mga Mamamayan, Aral at Diwa Mo ang Tunay na Gabay,” highlighting the continuing relevance of Rizal’s life and works as guides for Filipinos in confronting present-day challenges.

As part of the national observance, flags were flown at half-mast nationwide in honor of Rizal, widely regarded as the most iconic and influential hero of the Filipino nation.

The NHCP noted that Rizal’s execution on 30 December 1896 came at a time when the Philippine Revolution was already in full swing, triggering events that would eventually lead to the country’s independence after more than three centuries of Spanish colonial rule.