MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called on all Filipinos to always choose the country over personal interests, imbibing the legacy of national hero Jose Rizal. Marcos made the call as he joined the nation in commemorating Rizal Day. In his message, he urged Filipinos to use Rizal’s life and martyrdom as a compass in navigating challenges by upholding patriotism, truth, and responsible citizenship. “Through his writings and martyrdom, Dr. Jose Rizal awakened our sense of identity and showed that Filipinos deserve dignity, freedom, and the power to determine their own future. His example gave our forebears an ideal model of what it means to be truly Filipino and a confident vision of a nation ready to stand as an equal among others,” the President said. “Let our celebration deepen our resolve to live by the values he embodied: love of country, respect for truth, a tireless pursuit of just reform, and the courage to speak and act for what is right. May this commemoration inspire every Filipino-especially the youth, whom Rizal so dearly cherished-to pair patriotism with responsible citizenship so that we can be of better service to the country,” he added. Marcos likewise urged Filipinos to embody Rizal’s principles and use it to guide “the way we live and work for our nation so that in whatever we do, we always choose compassion over indifference and country over personal interests.” “Let us build a nation where the justice he fought for is realized in the everyday lives of all Filipinos. For in every act of integrity and every stand for truth, we keep Dr. Rizal's dreams alive and bring our shared vision of a Bagong Pilipinas closer to reality,” Marcos said.