Remembering Rizal on his birthday

Marking the birth of a man whose words and deeds shaped a nation

- By FELICIANO RODRIGUEZ III

Today, the Philippines marks the birth of a man whose life continues to shape its national identity. José Rizal was born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna. More than 160 years later, this day has become a quiet but growing moment of reflection. Across classrooms and city halls, from government tributes to simple online posts, June 19 is increasingly recognized not just as a birthday, but as a reminder of how much can be done with thought, courage, and purpose.

This is not a holiday that brings a break from work. Offices remain open, public life continues, and there are no fireworks or fanfare. Still, it now holds a place in the civic calendar. In 2018, Republic Act No. 11144 declared June 19 a special nonworking holiday in Laguna. In 2024, the House of Representatives passed House Bill No. 10958, which seeks to declare it a special working holiday across the country. It is a legislative step toward honoring Rizal’s life as much as his death.

Even without a long weekend, many still pause to remember.

The day he entered the world