President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by National Historical Commission chair Ma. serena Diokno and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hernando Iriberri, graces the commemoration of the 119th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal National Monument in Rizal Park, Manila City on Wednesday (December 30), with the theme: “Rizal 2015: Dangal Ng Pilipino, Gabay Sa Pagbabago. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – For the last time in his term, President Benigno Aquino III led the flag-raising ceremony at Rizal Park to commemorate the 199th anniversary of the martyrdom of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.
In his message for Rizal Day, Aquino said Filipinos should be inspired by Rizal’s intelligence, sense of duty, hunger for knowledge, passion for reform and undying love for the country.
“Dr. Jose Rizal worked hard to pursue our independence, serving as a catalyst for change; his works remain relevant to this day, a reminder of a past when freedom seemed beyond our reach. Let us remember him on this occasion, along with other heroes who shared their strength and vision to make the Philippines the nation it is today,” Aquino said.
“Let us all be heroes in our own way, and reaffirm our commitment to the Daang Matuwid. Only by traversing this road towards fairness and progress can we translate our dreams into tangible realities for our people,” Aquino added.
President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Hernando Iriberri, troops the line during the full military honors accorded him upon arrival for the commemoration of the 119th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal National Monument in Rizal Park, Manila City on Wednesday (December 30, 2015). With theme: Rizal 2015: Dangal Ng Pilipino, Gabay Sa Pagbabago. (MNS photo
Aquino was joined by former President, now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, and Vice President Jejomar Binay.
This year’s celebration featured the newly acquired supersonic fighter jets, the FA-50s.
The first two FA-50 lead-in fighter trainer jets arrived in the country last November following the Philippine Government’s 12-jet purchase from Korea Aerospace Industries.
The deal which amounted to P18.9 billion is part of the government’s military modernization program. (MNS)
President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the flag raising ceremonies for the commemoration of the 118th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal National Monument in Rizal Park, Manila City on Wednesday (December 30, 2015). With theme: Rizal 2014: Dunong at Pusong Pilipino. Also in photo are Vice President Jejomar Binay and Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada. At the last note of “Lupang Hinirang”, two (2) FA-50PH conduct a high speed pass. (MNS photo)
President Benigno S. Aquino III witness the full fly of the AFP air assets composed of 10 Cessna trainer T41, 15 Stelio frati (SF)260FH, 3 Combat Utility helicopters, 5 Augusta Westland 109 helicopters of the Philippine Air Force and 3 AW109 helicopters of the Philippine Navy during the commemoration of the 119th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal National Monument in Rizal Park, Manila City on Wednesday (December 30, 2015). (PMNS photo)
President Benigno S. Aquino III is accorded Full Military Honor with 21 gun salute during the commemoration of the 119th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal National Monument in Rizal Park, Manila City on Wednesday (December 30, 2015). With theme: Rizal 2015: Dangal Ng Pilipino, Gabay Sa Pagbabago. (MNS photo)