MAYOR Honey Lacuna and Vice Mayor Yul Servo led the city of Manila in celebrating the 164th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, with a call for residents, especially the youth, to emulate his extreme love of country.
Lacuna first led the wreath-laying ceremony at the famed Rizal Monument in Luneta, joined by representatives from the National Parks Development Committee, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines and the Order of the Knights of Rizal.
With the birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal coinciding with the 60th founding anniversary of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), Lacuna and Yul Servo Nieto also spearheaded a wreath-laying ceremony held at the PLM campus on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
They were joined by Col. Galileo R. Goyena, Jr. MNSA (CAV) PA and members of the board of regent at the PLM, as they offered wreaths at the bust of Dr. Jose Rizal, while Vice Mayor Nieto and PLM President Sonny Reyes laid their wreaths at the monument of former Pres. Diosdado Macapagal.
This was followed by an awarding of plaques of recognition by the PLM to both the mayor and vice mayor, for their leadership and contribution in the development of the university during their administration.
Lacuna said the occasion must serve as a constant reminder of the courage, commitment and patriotism exhibited by Dr. Jose Rizal, even offering his own freedom and life for the country, thus earning us the freedom that we enjoy today.
Just like Dr. Jose Rizal, Lacuna also expressed belief that the youth is the hope of our future, as she pinned her hopes on the city’s youth to consider the national hero as a template for their future endeavors.
