President Duterte sends Secretary Lorenzana for Rizal Day rites

Defense Secretary Lorenzana to lead Rizal Day rites

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte designated Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to represent him in the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Jose Rizal National Monument at 7:00 AM tomorrow.

This year’s theme is “Jose Rizal: Inspirasyon sa Pagbangon at Paghilom ng Bayan”

Secretary Lorenzana will be joined by National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairman Rene R. Escalante, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, and Supreme Commander Sir Elihu A. Ybanez, Knight Grand Cross of Rizal.

According to a statement from the NHCP, the simple event will have minimal participants in compliance with the prescribed health standards/guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infections Diseases (IATF-EID).

President Duterte is expected to deliver his message virtually after the flag-raising and wreath-laying activities.

A similar program will also be held at the Museo ni Jose Rizal – Calamba, Laguna and Museo ni Jose Rizal – Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte. Museo ni Jose Rizal – Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila will also hold a simple wreath-laying activity to honor Rizal.

Different activities related to Rizal and his martyrdom have been schedule on line which may be viewed at the NHCP website, www.nhcp.gov.ph

The NHCP is a government office tasked to promote Philippine history through its museums and publications and preserve the nation’s historical heritage. (Melo M. Acuña)

Rizal Park, Manila. (Melo Acuna Photo)