Duterte leads ceremony in commemoration of Rizal Day

President Rodrigo Duterte led the commemoration of Rizal Day at the Rizal National Monument in Rizal Park in Manila on Thursday.

Duterte participated in a flag-raising ceremony and personally laid a wreath on the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal in remembrance of the 125th anniversary of the hero’s martyrdom.

With the theme "Rizal: Para sa Agham, Katotohanan at Buhay" (Rizal: For Science, Truth, and Life), this year’s commemoration will have ceremonies in various monuments across the country and around the world.

In a statement, Duterte urged Filipinos to honor Rizal by exemplifying patriotism and idealism in all endeavors as well as by fostering a greater sense of nationalism among the Filipino youth.

"Indeed, true heroes give their lives for love of country and of our people. This heroism has been further manifested when the COVID-19 pandemic swept the whole world. People of unmatched boldness and compassion stood and fought against the odds brought by the disease in order to help save lives, even while risking their own," Duterte said.

"Today, as we celebrate the life and works of Dr. Jose Rizal, let us also honor our modern-day heroes who are at the frontlines. Let us emulate his wisdom and courage in our own simple ways as we pursue a better and brighter future for all," he added.

Present in the ceremony in Manila were National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Rene Escalante, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, and Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Lieutenant General Andres Centino.

Also present were presidential aspirant Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Senator Bong Go. —Joviland Rita and Llanesca T. Panti/KBK, GMA News