President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead the nation in commemorating the 114th death anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, who was martyred on Dec. 30, 1896, precipitating the Philippine revolution against the Spanish colonial rule.
The President will raise the flag and offer wreath in ceremonies at the Rizal Park in Manila Thursday morning.
On hand to assist the President are Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff Lt. Gen. Ricardo David, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairman Ambeth Ocampo.
Simultaneous flag-raising and wreath offering rites will also be held at Rizal monuments nationwide including his birthplace in Calamba, Laguna and in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte where he was exiled in July 1892.
This year’s observance will focus on the theme “Rizal: Haligi ng Bayan.†It will be highlighted by the unveiling of the logo of the 114th anniversary of Rizal’s martyrdom signaling the kick-off celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of the national hero.
Born on June 19, 1861, Rizal became one of the country’s leading reformists and inspiration of the revolution particularly through his writings and novels such as Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. His works are now being taught in public and private schools to educate students about the concept of nationalism.
Imprisoned in Fort Santiago and tried by a military court, Rizal was convicted of rebellion and shot at Bagumbayan (now Rizal Park) at around 7:03 a.m. of Dec. 30, 1896.
Two years after his execution, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo issued on Dec. 20, 1898 a decree designating Dec. 30 as the death anniversary of Rizal’s death and also a national day of mourning for other victims of the oppressive Spanish rule.
The directive emphasized that all national flags shall be hoisted at half-mast from 12 noon on December 29 and all offices of the government shall be closed the whole day on December 30 as a sign of mourning.
On Dec. 30, 1898, Filipinos celebrated Rizal Day for the first time and chose Club Filipino in Manila as venue. (PNA)
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