Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday, Dec. 30, joined the Filipino people in commemorating the death anniversary of Philippine national hero Jose Rizal, whose sacrifice, she said, should give us strength and courage to stand by what is right and just.

Through Rizal’s works, Duterte said, he passed down to us his fearless love for the nation and his aspiration for a true freedom that is based on real wisdom.

“Ang tunay na aral ni Rizal ay malinaw​ (Rizal's lessons are clear​),” she said.

“Ang kalayaan ay hindi lamang paglaya mula sa puwersang dayuhan, kundi pati na rin ang paglaya ng ating isip at damdamin mula sa pang-aabuso, pagkawatak-watak at kasamaan ​(Freedom is not only​ about ​freedom from foreign forces, but about freedom of our minds and hearts from abuse, division and evil​),” Duterte added.

Vice President Duterte wished that the commemoration of his sacrifice would restore our strength and courage for truth and justice.

“Huwag nating hayaang mamatay ang diwa ng karunungan at pagkakaisa​ (Let's not allow the spirit of wisdom and unity vanish),” she said.

“Ang tunay at pangmatagalang pagbabago ay nagsisimula at nagmumula sa malalim na pag-aaral, moral na integridad, at sama-samang pagkilos sa ating komunidad at mga institusyon​ (The real and long-lasting change starts from deep learning, moral integrity and united action for our community and institutions),” she added.

Meanwhile, President Marcos led the commemoration of the 129th anniversary of Rizal at the Rizal Park.

The theme of this year’s event was “RIZAL: Sa Pagbangon ng mga Mamamayan, Araw at Diwa mo ang Tunay na Gabay,” which remembers the “immortal lessons” from Rizal’s life and words in facing today’s challenges as a nation and people.