By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called on Filipinos to reflect on the enduring legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal urging the nation to embrace his ideals and continue his work toward a just and progressive society as the country commemorates the 128th anniversary of his martyrdom on Monday.
Marcos, in his Rizal Day message, said the national hero’s vision of a just and forward-thinking society is no less alive today than it was more than a century ago.
He urged Filipinos to not only remember Rizal’s sacrifices but also to take to heart the ideals that fueled the revolution for independence.
“As we remember his noble works and honorable life, let us take to heart his words and ideals that awakened the consciousness of our forebears and stirred a national movement for freedom,” Marcos said.
“I call on my fellow Filipinos to look back in pride and embody all the things he cherished – love of country, dedication to the truth, and commitment to the betterment of our people,” he added.
The President emphasized that the values of patriotism, truth, and dedication to the welfare of the people that Rizal espoused remain crucial to the country’s progress.
He encouraged Filipinos to embody these values in their daily lives, whether in service to their communities, in the pursuit of knowledge, or in working toward the upliftment of the marginalized.
“True change begins within us, especially when we stand firm on the issues that we face today. Let us be bold enough to be catalysts of change and hold on to the belief that each of us can contribute to the beloved Philippines,” he said.
Marcos, along with the First Family, led a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal National Monument in Manila on Monday morning.
In addition to the main ceremony in Manila, similar flag-raising and wreath-laying rites were conducted in key locations across the Philippines, with local government units and organizations hosting their own activities.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines and other government agencies also lined up activities such as educational exhibits, cultural shows and community programs to celebrate Rizal’s life and teachings.
AFP honoring Rizal with sacrifices
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it honors Rizal’s heroism through the continued sacrifices of its personnel in defending the nation.
“Today, 128 years after his martyrdom, we honor his vision of a united and peaceful nation and the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform who embody his values,” the AFP said in a Facebook post.
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., meanwhile, said the military continues to draw inspiration from Rizal’s legacy of courage, patriotism, and dedication to progress.
“As steadfast guardians of peace, committed to our constitutional mandate of protecting the people and securing the state, we draw deep inspiration from Dr. Jose Rizal’s enduring legacy of courage, patriotism, and dedication to progress through just and principled means,” he added.
Also, Brawner said the AFP’s participation in the annual event honoring Rizal underscores the organization’s role as a modern-day guardian that is dedicated to protecting the freedom and democracy that the hero envisioned for the Filipino people.
Beacon of ‘intellectual brilliance’
The Philippine National Police (PNP), meanwhile, called the Filipino hero “a beacon of patriotism, courage, and intellectual brilliance.”
“As we reflect on Dr. Rizal’s selfless dedication to the ideals of freedom, justice, and national pride, the PNP reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the democratic principles he valiantly fought for. His life and works inspire us to perform our duties with integrity, discipline, and a deep sense of service to the Filipino people,” it said in a statement.
The police force also urged Filipinos to embrace Dr. Rizal’s legacy by fostering unity and working together toward a peaceful and progressive nation.
“The PNP, as your steadfast partner in ensuring public safety and security, pledges to continue upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of every Filipino. Let us honor Dr. Rizal’s memory by embodying his values in our daily lives and striving for a Philippines where every individual can live in dignity and peace,” the PNP added. (with reports from Priam Nepomuceno & Lloyd Caliwan)