The nation celebrates today the 151st birth anniversary of National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

Led by the chair of National Historical Commission of the Philippines’ (NHCP) Dr. Maria Serena I. Diokno, together with the presence of Congressman Justin Chipeco, 2nd District of Laguna, Congresswoman Cynthia Villar, Las Pinas, Mayor Joaquin M. Chipeco Jr., and Mr. Emmanuel Herbosa, descendant of Rizal, this morning’s flag raising ceremony was held at the ancestral house of Rizal in Calamba, Laguna.

A customary 21-gun salute was rendered to Rizal with each official laying a wreath at the statue of the Young Rizal in the courtyard.

The celebration also saw the presentation of the Gawad Rizal Awards to Mr. Cesar Cortez Climaco, Mr. Paul Dumol, Metrobank Foundation (represented by Aniceto Sobrepeña), and the City of Calamba.

The solemnity was capped with the singing of “Pilipinas Kong Mahal” and the guests/visitors treated to free ice cream.

Rizal’s birth was celebrated also at Luneta with Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim as guest of honor.

VRs taken on June 19, 2012. The author can be reached at: fung@firefly.ph