Lucena City honors Dr. Jose Rizal on 129th death anniversary

By Rowena T. Cruz Lucena City officials and participants gather at the Rizal monument during a ceremonial wreath-laying honoring the country...

By Rowena T. Cruz

Lucena City officials and participants gather at the Rizal monument during a ceremonial wreath-laying honoring the country’s national hero. (Lucena City PIO)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Reaffirming its commitment to honoring national heroes, the City Government of Lucena recently paid tribute to the country’s National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, during the commemoration of the 129th anniversary of his death. The tribute took the form of a wreath-laying ceremony at his monument at the Old City Hall Building, reflecting the city’s continuing observance of Rizal Day traditions.

The ceremony was organized by the Lucena Council for Culture and the Arts (LCCA), the city’s mandated cultural body responsible for heritage-related programs and activities. Under the leadership of Chairperson Luzviminda Calzado, the council led the ceremony in line with national observances that highlight historical remembrance.



City Administrator Anacleto Alcala Jr. led the activity on behalf of Mayor Kuya Mark Alcala and Vice Mayor Roderick “Dondon” Alcala, formally representing the city’s top elected officials. He conveyed the local government’s recognition of Rizal’s role in shaping national identity and civic values that continue to guide public service.

The program included a brief reflection on Rizal’s life and works, followed by a moment of silence in his honor observed by the attendees. These rites underscored the enduring relevance of his ideals to governance, citizenship, and public responsibility.

The commemoration drew scores of participants from various government offices, schools, and community organizations across the city. Their participation reflected sustained public engagement in activities honoring national historical figures.

Other city officials and representatives of partner agencies were also present in support of the activity, reinforcing coordinated participation among local institutions. The gathering highlighted collective efforts to keep historical remembrance part of civic life.

Through the simple yet solemn rites, participants reflected on Rizal’s enduring contributions to Philippine history and the principles he stood for. The activity reaffirmed shared values of patriotism, civic duty, and responsibility that remain relevant across generations.