SARIAYA, QUEZON — The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) will lead the unveiling of a historical marker honoring Dr. Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero, on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in the heritage town of Sariaya, Quezon.
The ceremony will be headed by NHCP Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo, joined by local officials, historians, educators, and residents who will gather to celebrate the life and ideals of Rizal—whose vision and sacrifice continue to inspire generations of Filipinos. Sariaya Mayor Marivic T. Gayeta is set to deliver the acceptance message on behalf of the local government, underscoring the importance of keeping alive the values of patriotism and integrity that Rizal embodied.
The new marker, titled “Jose Rizal (1861–1896)”, will highlight the multifaceted legacy of the national hero—doctor, linguist, writer, sculptor, and painter—whose brilliance and commitment to reform ignited the Filipino spirit during Spanish colonial rule. The inscription recounts his authorship of Noli Me Tangere (1887) and El Filibusterismo (1891), the novels that awakened Filipino consciousness and spurred the clamor for independence.
It will also recall Rizal’s exile in Dapitan, his arrest, and eventual execution at Bagumbayan (now Rizal Park) on December 30, 1896—events that transformed him into a symbol of courage and resistance against oppression.
According to NHCP Executive Director Arevalo, the upcoming unveiling reflects the agency’s continued commitment to keeping Philippine history alive and relevant. “Each new marker connects the past to the present. Through these commemorations, we remind Filipinos that heroism is timeless—it continues to shape our identity and our nation’s values,” she said.
The ceremony in Sariaya will also honor the neoclassical Rizal monument sculpted by Eusebio Cortez and designed by Juan Arellano, which was first inaugurated on December 30, 1924.
More than a commemoration, the unveiling aims to encourage reflection on Rizal’s enduring teachings—his belief in education, civic duty, and love of country—values that remain deeply relevant to today’s generation.
As the NHCP continues its mission to promote Philippine history through research, publications, and the conservation of heritage sites, the forthcoming unveiling in Sariaya stands as a testament to the agency’s ongoing efforts to keep the story of the Filipino nation and its heroes alive for future generations.
