Vice President Sara Duterte urges Filipinos to uphold the spirit of wisdom and unity in commemorating the heroism of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

Dr. José Rizal is the Philippines’ national hero, a writer, and a key figure in the peaceful reform movement against Spanish colonial rule in the late 19th century. His execution in 1896 galvanized the Philippine Revolution, and today numerous monuments, museums (like the Rizal Shrine in Fort Santiago), and the province of Rizal are named in his honor. His most famous novels, *Noli Me Tangere* and *El Filibusterismo*, exposed the injustices of Spanish rule and are considered foundational texts of Philippine nationalism.