Every December 30, the Filipino people remember Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero, and the President of the Philippines usually leads in the flag-raising ceremony at the Rizal Monument in Luneta.
Symposiums and programs are also held in schools and other organizations to keep the ideas of nationalism and love of country which were championed not just by Rizal but also by Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini and other heroes of the Philippine Revolution of 1896.
This year, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos was at the Luneta with his family during the morning celebration of Rizal Day.
Here is what Bongbong said:
"On the 127th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal, I thus enjoin all of you to keep emulating the timeless values we can learn from his life and works," the President said.
"I also call on everyone to let the genuine love for the country that he lived out and later died for propel us to have a deep and personal sense of ownership for our land and our future," he added.
The Chief Executive said Jose Rizal's influence continues to be felt in a world that is still afflicted by greed, oppression, and injustice in various forms more than a century after his demise and heroism.
"Let us strive to walk with the same purpose, passion, and nationalism in our every endeavor so we may overcome all the challenges that stand in our way towards achieving a brighter tomorrow," Marcos said.
Accompanied by his wife, First Lady Marie Louise "Liza" Araneta-Marcos, and their children—Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander, William Vincent, and Joseph Simon—the President arrived at 6:50 a.m. and received military honors to kick off a short commemorative ceremony at the Rizal Park in Manila.
Joining the Chief Executive in the occasion are NHCP Chairman Emmanuel Calairo and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr.
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian noted that while the Philippines holds a special place in the heart of Rizal, his heritage extends to China, adding depth to his transnational legacy.
Huang writes: “Domingo Lamco, his great-grandfather and a 19th-generation member of the Cua family, settled in Siongque Village, linking Rizal to the global Sin Cua Chua clan, tracing its roots back to the Chou Dynasty's patriarch, Chua Siok-To.
“At 35, Domingo Lamco was baptized in the Catholic Church in Manila's Parian Chinese ghetto in June 1697. Thriving as a community leader in Biñan, Laguna, he strategically changed the family name to "Mercado" to shield his descendants from Spanish anti-Chinese policies, symbolizing their mercantile origins.
“In Jinjiang, China, the Rizal Park Square proudly showcases the Statue of Dr. Jose Rizal. This monument not only honors the Filipino hero but also emphasizes the enduring link between Rizal's legacy and his Chinese roots. The rich tapestry of history, cultural exchange, and familial connections woven between the Philippines and China amplifies Dr. Jose Rizal's global significance.”
I have visited Jinjiang and saw the Rizal Monument there, a good copy of what we have at the Luneta. It was erected there during the term of President Joseph Estrada.
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