Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana presided over the 124th commemoration of the 124th martyrdom anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, the country's national hero, with the theme "Jose Rizal: Inspirasyon sa Pagbangon at Paghilom ng Bayan" at the Rizal Park in Manila on Wednesday.

Lorenzana represented President Duterte at the event while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), served as the host for the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Rizal National Monument.

Lorenzana was accompanied by Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairman Rene Escalante, and Knight Grand Cross of Rizal (KGCR) Supreme Commander Elihu Ybanez.

In a statement, Lorenzana said the Rizal's life, death, and the struggles in between remain to be a "potent source of inspiration" for the Filipinos especially during the extraordinary time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said Rizal's advocacy for the youth lives on through the country's present defenders including the soldiers who are deployed in the remotest areas of the country, to the frontliners who continue to "embody Rizal's spirit of patriotism and sense of self-sacrifice."

Meanwhile, AFP Chief General Gilbert Gapay said Rizal continues to inspire the soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines, and its civilian human resources in protecting the people's freedom which the national hero fought for during the centuries-long Spanish rule.

"His noble acts and sacrifices to push forward nationalism and patriotism, as well as his tireless efforts for conitnuous development, remain as premier attributes that we in the military service emulate," Gapay said.

Gapay hopes that the commemoration of Rizal’s death anniversary "will continnue to motivate our people to better serve our country."

"The preservation of the state is an obligation of every citizen, especially now that we are in this challenging time of a pandemic," he noted.

"We hope that each and every Filipino will draw strength and determination from what Dr. Rizal has fought for and accomplished to pave way for our nation's independece and achieve lasting peace and security," he added.

The attendees of the event were required to use face masks and face shields, and observe social distancing as part of the government's health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Rizal was executed at Bagumbayan, now known as Rizal Park or Luneta Park, on December 30, 1896 after he was accused for the crime of rebellion while fighting the injustices committed against the Filipinos during the Spanish occupation.

His endeavors, along with the other heroes, ultimately led to the country's independence from the Spanish colonization two years later.