Remembering a Hero: Celebrating Dr. José Rizal’s Legacy on His 164th Birthday

MANILA, Philippines — Today, June 19, 2025, the nation commemorates the 164th birth anniversary of Dr. José Protacio Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero — a visionary, reformist, and patriot whose life and works sparked the flames of Philippine revolution and nationhood.

Born in Calamba, Laguna in 1861, Rizal was a polymath — a doctor, writer, poet, linguist, and artist — who used his intellect and pen to fight for reforms during Spanish colonization. His landmark novels, “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” exposed the abuses of colonial rule and awakened the Filipino consciousness.

Though he never led a battle, Rizal’s ideas and advocacy for peaceful reform and national dignity made him a threat to the Spanish regime. He was executed on December 30, 1896, in Bagumbayan (now Luneta), but his martyrdom inspired a revolution that would change the course of Philippine history.

This year’s observance of Rizal Day focuses not only on honoring his contributions, but also on challenging every Filipino to reflect on the deeper meaning of patriotism in today’s society — through education, critical thought, service, and moral courage.

As we remember Rizal, we are reminded that true heroism lies in the everyday commitment to uplift one’s nation — with knowledge, compassion, and purpose.