MANILA, Philippines — The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) commemorated the 165th birth anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal on Friday, June 19, with a special lecture and the unveiling of newly donated artworks at the Rizal Shrine in Fort Santiago, Intramuros.
The event, held at the NHCP Museo ni Jose Rizal Fort Santiago, gathered historians, students, members of the public, and descendants of Rizal to reflect on the enduring legacy of the country’s foremost nationalist and writer.
University of the Philippines Manila professor Dr. Wensley M. Reyes delivered a lecture titled “Nasaan ang Rizz ni Rizal? Si Jose Rizal sa Banta ng Pagkalimot at Pagsasantabi,” which examined the challenges facing Rizal’s relevance in contemporary society. Reyes discussed how younger generations can better appreciate the hero’s contributions and why his life and works remain significant amid changing social and cultural landscapes.
NHCP Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr. opened the program, while Senior Shrine Curator Janice M. Tambo introduced the guest speaker. Former Tourism Minister Gemma Cruz-Araneta, a descendant of Rizal, served as moderator.
A highlight of the commemoration was a multilingual reading of Rizal’s final poem, Mi Último Adiós, by descendants of the hero from various branches of his family. The poem was read in Spanish, German, English, and Filipino, underscoring Rizal’s international influence and literary legacy.
In her closing remarks, NHCP Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo expressed gratitude to the Rizal descendants who participated in the program and to the students and guests who attended the event.
Following the lecture, attendees witnessed the ceremonial unveiling of two artworks from the HOCUS series donated to the NHCP by historian and former San Beda University College of Law dean Atty. Saul Hofileña Jr. The paintings, which will become part of the permanent collection of the Rizal Shrine Fort Santiago, were formally turned over to the commission and unveiled before guests.
The lecture and artwork unveiling formed part of the NHCP’s official activities marking Rizal’s 165th birth anniversary. The agency said the celebration aims to encourage deeper public engagement with Philippine history and the continuing relevance of Rizal’s ideals in modern times.
Rizal, born on June 19, 1861, is best known for his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, works that exposed abuses during the Spanish colonial period and inspired the Filipino nationalist movement.
