Students urged to join Rizal Day activities

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has urged students, teachers and other education stakeholders to take part in activities that will be held in commemoration of the 123rd anniversary of the martyrdom of Jose Rizal.

The DepEd, along with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, will organize simultaneous flag raising and wreath laying rites on Dec. 30 in various locations in the country, including at the Rizal Monument in Manila and Rizal shrines in Calamba and Dapitan City. 

Similar activities will also be held in different cities and municipalities, in partnership with local government units and local DepEd offices. 

Other activities that will be organized include a light and sound presentation and guided tour at the Rizal park from Dec. 28 to 30; reenactment of Rizal’s walk from Fort Santiago to Bagumbayan (Rizal park) on Dec. 29 and the culmination of flag distribution of the Ayala Foundation after the Rizal Park flag raising on Dec. 30.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones, in a memorandum issued last week, said the activities aim to give the youth the chance to fully recognize the value of historical events, especially Rizal’s martyrdom.

It also aims to inspire Filipinos to keep the lofty ideals and teachings of the country’s national hero, teach the significance of Rizal’s life and the lessons on nationalism and utilize cultural and artistic activities to promote and educate learners on the essence of Filipino literary classics in their lives. 

“All public and private school heads are encouraged to carry out activities integrated in related subjects such as Araling Panlipunan; Edukasyong Pagpapakatao; Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health; Filipino and English, among others, during classroom discussions,” she added.