ORMOC CITY JOINED THE COUNTRY AS IT COMMEMORATED the 126th anniversary of Jose Rizal’s martyrdom with the theme, “Rizal: Alaalang Iningatan, Yaman Ngayon ng Bayan (Preserved Memories Treasured Today by the Nation).” 

Here in Ormoc, Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez led city officials in a tribute to the Philippine national hero at the City Museum Ground on Friday, December 30, 2022, saying that Dr. Jose Rizal’s death gave birth to our nation, that is, a free nation, adding, “We stand here not as slaves but as free Filipinos, thanks to Dr. Jose Rizal and all our heroes who shed blood so that we may claim what is rightfully ours.”

The yearly commemoration included a wreath and floral offering, and a 21 Gun Salute; and was also participated by the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Education (DepEd) Ormoc City Division personnel, Liga ng mga Barangay Board Members and personnel, LGU-Ormoc’s Head of Offices, Boy Scout of the Philippines, and Girl Scout of the Philippines. (By Gwen Maurillo / EV Mail Dec. 2, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023 issue)