By Argyll Cyrus Geducos  Malacañang expressed hope that the sacrifice of Dr. Jose Rizal more than a century ago would push Filipinos to be better version of themselves as the country commemorates the 123rd anniversary of his martyrdom. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo
(OPS / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) In his statement, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said December 30 has become part of the Filipino's collective imagination of the continuing revolution against those who still treat the Philippines as a vassal state. "It is also during this occasion that we make Rizal’s death relevant in our day-to-day lives by, in our own small ways, being in the service of others, rooted in and strengthened by the love of the people. After all, it was Rizal who posited that life is useless if not consecrated to a great ideal," he said. "May Rizal's sacrifice push us to be the better versions of ourselves and be agents of genuine change," he added. According to Panelo, Rizal Day is a reminder how Rizal's death inspired other Filipinos to fight for the country's freedom. "Rizal's passing 123 years ago did not go to waste as it fueled the re-awakening of our forefathers to stand up against the excesses or abuses of the colonizers which extended for over three centuries," he said. "It serves as an inspiration for the modern-day Rizals – the youth particularly - to remain steadfast on the challenges of the present times and to become beacons of hope for this motherland," he added. Malacañang earlier said President Duterte decided to not attend any celebration of Rizal Day and opted to honor other heroes instead. This would be the second time President Duterte will skip the Rizal Day rites. Last year, he was supposed to lead the celebration in Davao City but did not attend because he was not feeling well. Rizal was born in Calamba, Laguna, on June 19, 1861. He was part of a group of Filipino Ilustrados who called for peaceful reform of Spain's colonial rule in the Philippines. While in Europe, Rizal wrote about the discrimination that accompanied Spain's colonial rule of the Philippines. Among his famous works are "Noli Me Tangere," and "El Filibusterismo." He returned to the Philippines in 1892, but was exiled to Dapitan by Spanish authorities. He was convicted of sedition and was executed on December 30, 1896, at the age 35. Based on the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) website, the observance of Rizal Day goes back to the decree issued by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo on December 20, 1898 declaring December 30 as the anniversary of Jose Rizal’s death and also as "a national day of mourning" for Rizal and other victims of the Spanish dominion throughout its three centuries rule.