Tacloban marks 120th Rizal Day

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines – The Tacloban City government yesterday held rites to commemorate the 120th Rizal Day.

A flag-raising ceremony followed by wreath-laying at the monument at Rizal Park marked the local commemoration to honor the country's hero.

Mayor Cristina Romualdez, in her speech delivered by City Administrator Irene Chu, said people should always emulate the example of Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero.

"We hope that we will always remember the sacrifice he had made to regain our freedom from the Spanish colonization," Chu quoted the mayor in the speech delivered to a crowd of local officials.

She also encouraged the different government agencies present during the event to follow the acts of Rizal, especially in the delivery of public service.

"Let us emulate his acts of heroism and let us instill in ourselves the spirit of martyrdom. We hope that we can be heroes in our own little ways by providing service to the public and by doing the best for our country," Chu added.

According to the National Historical Commission, the country observes the death anniversary of Rizal to remember the nationalism and martyrdom of the national hero. It is also said to be "a national day of mourning" for Rizal and other victims of the Spanish dominion throughout its three centuries rule. — From Robert S. Bona/PNA (FREEMAN)