Veterans in Iloilo City attribute a huge part of the courage and valor they demonstrated during the world war to Dr. Jose Rizal's huge influence on them. 

"Ang aming sinumpaan sa konstitusyon. Kami, nag-a-abide lang,” Rodolfo Losañes, war veteran, said.

The 129^th anniversary of the martyrdom of national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal was commemorated on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

As the memory of Rizal continues to live among the elderly and those in their mid-life, the new generation uses their talent to show the impact of Rizal in their lives.

Rizal’s significant novels – Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo – which told the story of the Filipinos under Spanish colonization were used as inspiration of editorial writer and senior scout, Alixa Nichole Sapio.

"Ang ginamit ni Rizal, hindi mga weapon kundi papel at lapis lang. Sa paraang iyan, nai-inspire rin ako na magsulat. My writing speaks louder than my voice,” Sapio pointed out.

Further, Miguelle de la Cruz, another senior scout, aspires to be a “modern-day Jose Rizal.”

“Nili-live-up natin ang pagiging good citizen. Wherein sa atin sa youth, we are creating a better Philippines sa next generation,” de la Cruz said.

A wreath-laying activity was carried out at the monument of Rizal at Plaza Libertad in Iloilo City.

“Ngunit pinili niya ang tapang kaysa takot. Ang katotohanan kaysa pananahimik at ang pagmamahal sa bayan kaysa sa sariling kapakanan,” said Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan, director of Police Regional Office 6.

In Bacolod City, the commemoration was done through a dramatization.  

Michael Pagubo, a teacher, said this is his second year to portray Rizal.

“Kung ni-reflect natin sa modern times, we need Rizal ngayon especially sa nagakalatabo subong sa syudad. Kabay pa sa mga Pilipino, makilala pa gid si Rizal,” Pagubo said.

Terrence Lee Mira, a Grade 4 student, played the young Jose Rizal.

“Marami siyang nasulat na nobela at marami siyang mabuting nagawa. Mabuti rin siyang tao,” Mira said.