President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the nation today in honoring the life, heroism, and enduring legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal during the 129th anniversary of his martyrdom at the Rizal Monument in Rizal Park, Manila.
Accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and their family, the President headed the solemn flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies. The event served as the centerpiece of a nationwide tribute to the Philippine national hero, whose execution in 1896 sparked the final push for Filipino independence.
The ceremony in Manila was held in coordination with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), led by Chair Regalado Trota Jose Jr. High-ranking officials in attendance included:
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Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso
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AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jimmy Larida
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Knights of Rizal Supreme Commander Raymundo del Rosario
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Members of the diplomatic corps, civil society, and uniformed services.
Simultaneous programs were conducted at key historical sites across the country, most notably at Rizal’s birthplace in Calamba, Laguna, and his place of exile in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte.
This year’s commemoration carries the theme: “RIZAL: Sa Pagbangon ng mga Mamamayan, Aral at Diwa Mo ang Tunay na Gabay” (RIZAL: In the People’s Uprising, Your Teachings and Spirit are the True Guide).
The NHCP emphasized that the theme highlights the relevance of Rizal’s intellectual and moral contributions as the Filipino people navigate contemporary national challenges.
“Rizal’s execution on that fateful December day in 1896 was not an end, but a beginning,” the NHCP stated. “It set off a sequence of events that eventually led to the nation’s freedom from 333 years of Spanish colonial rule.”
In a show of national solidarity, Philippine flags were flown at half-mast across all government buildings and installations. The gesture honors the sacrifice of a man widely regarded as the most iconic hero of the Malay race.
The 129th anniversary serves as a reminder of the power of ideas and the courage required to build a sovereign nation. As the country reflects on Rizal’s martyrdom, the administration reaffirms its commitment to upholding the values of liberty and progress that Rizal envisioned for his motherland.
