MANILA – The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the City Government of Manila and the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) will lead the commemoration of the 144th death anniversary of martyred priests Frs. Jose Burgos, Mariano Gomes and Jacinto Zamora on 17 February 2016, 8:00 a.m., at the Gomburza Execution Site, Rizal Park, Manila.

The program will begin with the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies led by NHCP Commissioner Dr. Filomeno V. Aguilar as guest of honor. Other wreath-offerors are NHCP Executive Director Ludovico D. Badoy, Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada, NCCA Chairman Felipe M. de Leon, NPDC Executive Director Elizabeth H. Espino, and DepEd-Manila, Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Wilfredo E. Cabral.

They will be joined by the principals from the Mariano Gomes Elementary School, Jose Burgos Elementary School, and Jacinto Zamora Elementary School in Manila, officials from the Philippine Historical Association, Kaanak ng mga Bayaning Pilipino, Inc., Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, and the Knights of Columbus Gomburza Assemblies.

The blessing of the tomb of the three martyred priests immediately follows at the Paco Park Cemetery, Manila, to be officiated by Rev. Fr. Joel Rescober, C.M.

The NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote and preserve Philippine historical heritage through research and publication, conservation, marking of historic sites and structures, and administration of national shrines and museums.