Malacañang has declared June 20 a special non-working holiday to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. announced on Friday.
Ochoa said Proclamation No. 154, signed by President Benigno Aquino III on April 26, moved the commemoration to June 20 instead of June 19, which falls on a Sunday, on recommendation of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to allow more people to participate in various activities related to the event.
“The President deems it as an opportune time for our kababayans to commemorate our national hero’s achievements and sacrifices for our beloved country, rekindle their admiration and respect for him, as well as participate in the various ceremonies that were prepared to celebrate this occasion,” Ochoa said.
In a letter to the Chief Executive, NHCP Executive Director III Ludovico Badoy said various activities to celebrate Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary had been prepared by the government and the private sector, including the commemorative rites at the Rizal Shrine in Calamba City in Laguna, the Philippine national hero’s birth place. ###
