President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. yesterday urged Filipinos to emulate Dr. Jose Rizal's "genuine love" for the country and be inspired by his "deep and personal sense of ownership of the motherland and the future."
Marcos graced this year's commemoration of Rizal Day and wreath-laying at the Rizal Monument in 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," the President said in his message.
"I call on everyone to let the genuine love for the country that he lived out and later died for propel us to have a deep and personal sense of ownership for our land and our future," he said.
Despite having passed away more than a century ago, Marcos said Rizal's heroism and influence continue to be felt in a world that is "still afflicted by greed, oppression and injustice in various forms."
The President likewise urged everyone "to strive to walk with the same purpose, passion, and nationalism" to overcome all the challenges that stand in the country's way towards achieving a brighter tomorrow.
"With our meaningful commemoration, may the ideals and spirit of Dr. Jose Rizal live on as we fully realize the Philippines that he and his contemporaries fought hard for," he said.
He said that while Rizal's sacrifice was the ultimate expression of his patriotism, the national hero's work started even before that fateful day on the field at Bagumbayan.
"It began in his youth and childhood when he embraced the wisdom of his family, teachers, and peers and later embarked on a lifelong pursuit of excellence for a greater goal," he said.
Nationwide flag-raising
After the simultaneous flag-raising ceremony across various historical sites nationwide, Marcos laid a wreath at the Rizal monument.
The President was accompanied by his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and their children, Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander, William Vincent and Joseph Simon.
Honor Rizal's life, legacy
Vice President Sara Duterte also urged Filipinos to honor 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.
According to Duterte, the national hero "was a visionary, a man of immense courage and intellect who believed in the power of knowledge to ignite change."
"His relentless pursuit of education and enlightenment set the stage for his pivotal role in our nation's history," said Duterte, also the Secretary of Education.
She said that Rizal's legacy should serve as a guiding light for all Filipinos.
"His unwavering love for our country, his fervent desire for freedom, and his commitment to justice resonate deeply with us. It reminds us that our duty is to uphold these values and work tirelessly for the rights and dignity of those who are marginalized and underrepresented."
"To the Filipino youth, Rizal's values are an everlasting wellspring of inspiration. His curiosity and passion for knowledge serve as a beacon, showing us the path toward a brighter future. Let us honor his memory by nurturing our own hunger for knowledge and becoming the leaders who will carry our nation forward," she said.
House calls for unity
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives called on Filipinos on Saturday to foster unity and cherish Philippine culture in observance of the 127th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal.
Speaker Martin Romualdez gave credit to the legacy of Rizal, whom the country considers not only a national hero but also a visionary whose profound insights and steadfast dedication to freedom played a fundamental role in shaping the Philippines' national identity.
"In commemorating his life and works, let us remember that Rizal was more than a historical figure; he was a symbol of hope and the epitome of what it means to love one's country. His bravery in opposing colonial tyranny and his profound affection for the Philippines remain as vital inspirations to us all," Romualdez said.
Amid China's threats to Philippine sovereignty and national security, Romualdez urged the public to live by Rizal's ideals.
"I call upon each of us to embrace Rizal's spirit in our everyday actions. May his courage inspire us to confront our challenges with dignity and integrity. May his wisdom guide our decisions towards the betterment of our beloved country," he said.
The National Historical Commission, in collaboration with various government agencies, organized this year's commemorative rites in honor of Rizal, with the theme "Rizal: Pundasyon ng Kahapon, Isinasabuhay Ngayon."
Rizal was executed by firing squad at the Luneta, known as Bagumbayan during the Spanish colonial period, on 30 December 1896 on the orders of the Spanish colonial government.
He was jailed for treason and rebellion after the Philippine Revolution broke out, which was mainly inspired by his novels, "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo."
On 20 December 1898, then-president Emilio Aguinaldo issued a decree declaring every 30th of December as a day of national mourning for Rizal and other patriots who died during the Spanish rule.
The Philippine Commission in 1902 enacted a law declaring 30 December as Rizal Day, making it an official holiday.
Republic Act 229, signed into law by former president Elpidio Quirino on 9 June 1948, requires flags across the country to be flown at half-staff throughout the day to commemorate Rizal's life and work as the country's national hero.