The celebration of the 159th birth anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was graced by the presence of two of the most popular local leaders in the country to date, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, who led the rites, and Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto.
Sotto lauded acts of “heroism” during the novel coronavirus pandemic on Friday, the 159th birth anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, a celebration for which was led by Manila Mayor Isko Moreno at the Luneta Park.
Sotto lauded acts of “heroism” during the COVID-pandemic, especially those that came from medical personnel, policemen and peace officers who report to work despite the threat of virus infection, as well as community kitchen volunteers who wake up early to cook meals for frontliners.
“Ngayon pong panahon ng pandemya, nakita po natin ang maraming halimbawa ng kabayanihan,” Sotto said.
“Nawa’y mabuhay ang diwa ni Jose Rizal sa ginagawa natin sa ating pang-araw-araw na buhay,” he added.
[During this time of pandemic, we saw many examples of heroism. I hope that the spirit of Jose Rizal will live on in what we do in our daily lives.]
Moreno took the center stage leading the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the Luneta Park, the historic place where Rizal was executed in 1896 for written works that inspired the revolutionary movement against Spanish colonizers.
Only a handful of guests joined the typically crowded event, including Manila Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, city police chief Brig. Gen. Rolando Miranda and several officers.
