PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III has declared June 20 as a Special Non-working Holiday to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. According to Proclamation No. 154 which was signed by Aquino on April 26th, this would allow “all Filipinos the opportunity to commemorate Rizal’s patriotic deeds and sacrifices forthe country, rekindle their admiration and respect for him, and to celebrate this milestone with appropriate ceremonies”.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) requested that Monday, June 20, 2011, be declared as special non-working holiday instead of Rizal’s birthday on June 19,2011, which falls on a Sunday. Dr. Jose Rizal is the Philippine National Hero who died through firing squad because of hisloyalty and love to the country without any shadow of turning back. Luneta located at theheart of City of Manila City was named after him. (PIA)