Zamboanga City joins the nation in remembering Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 30 (PNA) — The city government on Friday joined the nation in remembering the 120th year of Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom.
Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde led the commemoration rites representing Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar at Rizal Shrine in front of city hall, which kicked off at 7 a.m. with a flag-raising ceremony.
It was followed by a wreath-laying and a simple commemorative program spearheaded jointly by the local government and the Order of the Knights of Rizal – Zamboanga City Chapter.
In attendance during the ceremony were local government officials, national agencies, the academe, and multi-sectoral groups.
The death anniversary of the martyr is observed all over the country, marking the day when Rizal was executed by Spanish soldiers in Bagumbayan, now Luneta Park, 120 years ago.
Rizal was executed by Spanish soldiers on Dec. 29, 1896 due to his writings that authorities claimed incited rebellion that led to a revolution.
“Year after year, we commemorate the life and death of Rizal. I sincerely hope that such commemorations also give us a true sense and desire to get to know our history and our heroes. Let us take time to understand the struggles that have shaped our country,” Salazar said in a statement read by Iturralde.
“In this digital age, I hope our youth would continue to learn and emulate the examples of our national hero and become the true hope of our country. I hope his memory will live on in the mind and burn bright in the heart of all Filipinos,” she added. (PNA)
