Marcos to Pinoys: Embody Rizal’s excellence, patriotism

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos at Luneta Park for the 126th death anniversary of one of the Philippines’ national heroes Dr. Jose Rizal on December 30, 2022. | PHOTO: official pacebook page of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has called on Filipinos to embody the virtues of excellence, patriotism and perseverance of Dr. Jose Rizal, as he led the flag-raising ceremony at Rizal National Monument in Rizal Park to commemorate the 126th death anniversary of the country’s national hero on Friday.

Joining the President in the ceremonial wreath-laying were first lady Liza Araneta Marcos and his sons Sandro, Joseph Simon and William Vincent.

Despite the threats to Rizal’s life, Marcos said the national hero enlightened Filipinos about injustice and corruption “not through a violent uprising but through a peaceful protest.”

“May Rizal’s determination to achieve real change empower the Filipinos of today to become vigilant of the social ills that may threaten our liberty,” he said in his written message.

According to Marcos, Rizal Day is an opportunity for Filipinos to “reflect on the kind of life that we want to live.”

He hoped that Rizal would serve as a role model for Filipinos “who aspire to impart our knowledge and dedicate our abilities to the betterment of society.”“After all, true heroism does not only mean offering your life for your country, but also fighting your own silent battles and working within your capacities to bring about a better future we want to see for the present and succeeding generations,” he said.

Aside from the Rizal Park in Manila, flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies were simultaneously held at the Museo ni Jose Rizal in Calamba, Laguna; Museo ni Jose Rizal in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte; and in all local governments in the country. Marcos also paid tribute to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as he recognized their contribution for the country’s economic recovery.

On Friday morning, the President led a gift-giving event at the Kalayaan grounds in Malacañang, giving OFWs and their families gift bags, which contained 5 kilos of rice, canned goods, coffee and noodles. INQ

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