On Rizal Day, Vice President Sara Duterte urged Filipinos to honor the legacy of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal by embodying his courage in the face of oppression and committing to what is right.
In her statement, Duterte highlighted Rizal’s resilience during dark times, emphasizing his enduring message of hope and justice.
“Ang napakatinding pagsubok na kanyang pinagdaanan ay nagpapaalala sa atin na kahit sa pinakamadilim na oras, ang liwanag ng katotohanan at katarungan ay maaaring manaig,” Duterte said. (“The intense test that he went through reminds us that even in the darkest hour, the light of truth and justice will prevail.”)
She further encouraged Filipinos to honor Rizal by collectively striving for a more just, equal, and free Philippines.
Remembering Rizal’s Legacy
Jose Rizal, known for his groundbreaking novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, was a fierce advocate for political reform during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. Convicted of rebellion, he was executed on December 30, 1896, at Bagumbayan (now Luneta or Rizal Park). His martyrdom continues to inspire the nation.
Rizal Day is marked annually on the anniversary of his death to reflect on his ideals of truth, justice, and freedom.