Duterte to commemorate Rizal’s martyrdom in Davao City

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte will commemorate the 122nd anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom in Davao City’s Rizal Park.

In an advisory released by Malacañang, the President is set to lead the ceremony at 4 p.m. on Sunday in his hometown Davao City.

This will be the first time the President will commemorate Rizal’s martyrdom outside Manila’s historic Luneta, where the country’s national hero was executed in 1896.

In his first two years as Chief Executive, the President led the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the Luneta.

According to Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, the “more important thing on a celebration is the celebration itself and not the venue.”

“The presence of the President in any place of celebration adds color to the event. It is the memory of Jose Rizal’s martyrdom that is immortalized by its commemoration and not where a monument of his is built,” Panelo told INQUIRER.net in a text message.

Davao City’s Rizal Park is where locals usually gather for events such as concerts and other civic events.  /muf