Rizal Day, observed every December 30, honours the life, ideals, and sacrifice of Dr. José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. A polymath, writer, and reformist, Rizal advocated for peaceful change and national awakening through his works and ideas. Rizal Day marks the anniversary of his execution in 1896 at Bagumbayan, now known as Rizal Park, in Manila.
This year’s ceremony was presided over by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who led the nation in commemorating the 129th anniversary of the martyrdom of national hero Dr. José Rizal at Rizal Park in Manila. The ceremony featured a flag-raising, a wreath-laying at the Rizal Monument, and the playing of the national anthem. Marcos was joined by the presidential family, Acting AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jimmy Larida, and National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairman Regalado Trota Jose Jr.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday urged Filipinos to draw inspiration from national hero Dr. Jose Rizal by upholding patriotism, truth, and responsible citizenship. In his message on Tuesday, President Marcos said Rizal’s life and martyrdom continue to serve as a moral guide for Filipinos as the nation confronts issues that test public trust, including corruption and misuse of public funds.
The city government commemorated Rizal’s 129th death anniversary with a wreath-laying ceremony. In a message delivered on behalf of Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte, Councilor Quitain highlighted the enduring relevance of Rizal’s example, urging Filipinos to use their talents and skills to uplift their communities – just as Rizal used his intellect and voice in the service of humanity.
‘Rizal’s martyrdom, and the sacrifice of all our heroes, awakened the collective consciousness of the Filipino people and ignited the flame of freedom – one that inspired our forefathers to stand firm for dignity, justice, and self-determination’, he said. He further emphasized that the Philippines is not merely a place to live in, but a nation that Filipinos are called to love, serve, and belong to.
Brigadier General Christopher M. Diaz, commander of the 103rd Infantry Raptor Brigade of the 10th Infantry Division, served as the keynote speaker. He remembered Rizal as a hero who consistently advocated reforms through peaceful means. According to Diaz, Rizal was an ordinary Filipino whose extraordinary sense of duty set him apart at a time when the nation’s honour and sovereignty were under threat.
Brigadier General Diaz noted that Rizal’s life reminds both soldiers and civilians that heroism is not defined by grand gestures alone, but by selflessness and service for the greater good. He also encouraged the public to draw inspiration from Rizal’s life and writings when confronting present-day challenges, describing him as a visionary who believed deeply in the power of education and knowledge to bring about meaningful change.
Reiterating Rizal’s timeless words, ‘The youth are the hope of the nation’, Diaz stressed the importance of protecting the youth. He called on the community to safeguard young Dabawenyos from radicalization, violent extremism, and illegal drugs by investing in education, mentorship, and programs that will help ensure a safer, brighter, and more successful future.
On Rizal Day, the legacy of Dr. José Rizal continues to guide the Filipino nation, calling on every Filipino to uphold the values of education, integrity, peaceful reform, and love of country in building a just and enlightened society.
Photo: Rizal Day Ceremony 2025 at Rizal Park in Manila © Presidential Communications Office, Philippines