Manila — The nation paid tribute to its foremost national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, as Filipinos across the country commemorated the 129th anniversary of his martyrdom. The traditional ceremonies highlighted Rizal’s enduring legacy as a writer, teacher, doctor, and activist whose life and works continue to inspire the Filipino people.
In Manila, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., led the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park this morning. He was joined by his family, officials from various national and local government agencies, civic groups, uniformed personnel, representatives from foreign nations, members of the Rizal family, and ordinary citizens.
Executed by the Spanish colonial government in 1896 for his role in the Philippine Revolution, Rizal became a symbol of the nation’s struggle for freedom despite the lack of substantial evidence against him. His writings and teachings remain a guiding force for generations of Filipinos seeking the path to liberty. The observance of Rizal’s heroism is among the country’s oldest commemorations, first instituted in 1898 under President Emilio Aguinaldo.
In Rizal’s hometown of Calamba, Laguna, Mayor Roseller Rizal and the local government led a wreath-laying ceremony at the hero’s childhood home this morning. They were joined by Provincial Governor Marisol “Sol” C. Aragones-Sampelo, Vice Mayor Angelito S. Lazaro, Alvin R. Alcid of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), members of the Rizal family, and local officials, who paid their respects with a simple floral offering at the monument within the shrine.
Various civic groups and organizations also participated in the morning tribute at Luneta. The Knights of Rizal, the National Parks Development Committee, the NHCP, and members of Rizal’s extended family offered floral wreaths at the monument, demonstrating a united homage to the national hero.
Beyond Manila, celebrations honoring Rizal’s heroism were observed in communities nationwide—from northern Luzon to Mindanao—underscoring the deep reverence of Filipinos for his enduring contributions to the country.
At the NHCP Museo ni Jose Rizal at Fort Santiago, a full-day program titled “Si Rizal Bilang Gabay sa Pagbangon ng Nasyon” highlighted Rizal’s relevance in nation-building. The ceremony began with a wreath-laying at the Plaza Armas led by NHCP Historic Sites Education Division Chief Gina C. Batuhan, along with representatives from the Intramuros Administration and K.A.L.K LITAW. The Gran Logia Soberana del Archipielago Filipino also participated, with messages delivered by NHCP and IA officials.
Educational lectures included a presentation by Eufemio Agbayani III, Historic Sites Development Officer II, titled “The Practical Hero: Jose Rizal as Expert Surveyor, Assessor, and Farmer.” The Urban Sketchers conducted a Plein Air art workshop in the afternoon, teaching participants to draw using a quill, as Rizal did in his time.
A special program for children, Q&A with Lolo Jose, brought Rizal’s life and works to life through an interactive trivia game, with museum staff portraying the national hero and distributing comic books and stickers as prizes.
Through these nationwide commemorations, Filipinos continue to honor Dr. Jose Rizal not only as a martyr but as a lifelong guide whose lessons on civic responsibility, education, and patriotism remain vital to the nation’s ongoing journey toward progress.
