Duterte to Pinoys on 121st Rizal Day: Reflect on hero's patriotism

President Rodrigo Duterte urged Filipinos to reflect on the patriotism of Dr. Jose P. Rizal as he led the commemoration rites of the national hero’s 121st martyrdom anniversary on Saturday.

“May we take this occasion as an opportunity to recognize Dr. Rizal’s ultimate sacrifice for the sake of our country. Let us reflect on his patriotism as we strive to continue his work of building a more united, peaceful and prosperous Philippines,” the President said in his December 30 message.

Duterte led the early morning flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Rizal Monument at the Rizal Park in Manila and met with Rizal’s descendants.

Vice President Leni Robredo and some Cabinet officials also attended the ceremonies, according to a report by Mao dela Cruz on Super Radyo dzBB.

Former president Joseph Ejercito-Estrada was also present at the event.

Duterte said the hero “inspired a movement that gave rise to the Filipino national identity.”

He honored Rizal’s writings, which eventually led to the hero's death sentence, saying the illustrado’s works “served as the light that guided our forebears in the fight for genuine equality and independence.”

The Philippine Revolution, instigated by the Andres Bonifacio-led Katipunan, also erupted in 1896.

Two of Rizal’s most enduring works, novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," both indictments of Spanish church and government abuse and the “cancers of society,”  are part of the high school reading list. College students are also required by law to study Rizal’s life and works.

“As an author and as a scholar, he denounced the corruption, greed and other social ills that up to this day continue to plague our society,” Duterte said.

“Even in death, he imparted upon his aspirations for a nation that is free from the scourge of injustice, tyranny and suffering.

"I wish all of us a meaningful celebration,"  he added.

Rizal was executed on December 30, 1896 in Bagumbayan, now called Rizal Park, popularly known as Luneta Park.

According to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, other scheduled activities at the Rizal Park for the day include medical, dental and optical services, a "Diskwento Caravan," an exhibit on the 10-point agenda of the Duterte government, a kundiman and a rock festival concert.

Rizal Day Activities 2017 by gmanews on Scribd

—Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/LBG, GMA News