MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the nation Friday morning in commemorating the 126th anniversary of the martyrdom of national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

In a ceremony at the Rizal Park in the City of Manila, President Marcos laid a wreath at the Rizal National Monument.

This was followed by a flag raising ceremony where the President was assisted by his wife, First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, and sons Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, and Joseph Simon and William Vincent Marcos.

Flag-raising and wreath-laying rites were also simultaneously conducted at the Museo ni Jose Rizal in Calamba Laguna; Museo ni Jose Rizal in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte; and by all local government units.

The President was also joined by National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairman Dr. Rene R. Escalante with the Rizal Day Technical Working Committee members, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from national and local government offices, non-government organizations and the descendants of the national hero.

In a message released Dec. 30, the President called on Filipinos to continue to embody the virtues of excellence, patriotism and perseverance that Rizal demonstrated throughout his life.

“Despite the threat of persecution, Rizal helped enlighten Filipinos about the injustice, corruption and oppression they suffered at the hands of their colonizers,” President Marcos said in a statement.

“May Rizal’s determination to achieve real changes empower the Filipinos today to become vigilant of the social ills that may threaten our liberty,” the chief executive pointed out.

The Jose Rizal martyrdom commemoration carried the theme, “Rizal: Alaalang Iningatan, Yaman Ngayon ng Bayan.”

Rizal was a Filipino nationalist and writer who advocated political reforms in the Philippines under Spanish colonial rule.

A key member of the Propaganda Movement, Rizal was executed by Spanish authorities for rebellion after the Philippine revolution broke out mainly inspired by his writings. (PND)