DAPITAN CITY (PIA) – The air was thick with nostalgia and patriotism as Dapitan City, headed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, paid homage to Dr. Jose Rizal during his 128th death anniversary in Rizal Shrine through a tree planting activity and the annual Arnis Tournament.
Dubbed “Puno ng Pag-asa: Pagtatanim ng Punla”, the activity had city officials and locals planting fifty Narra and Molave seeds in front of Casa Residencia.
Endemic to the Philippines, these species serve to symbolize the strength and endurance that Rizal hoped to provide for future generations. Much like Rizal during his time, the propagation of these native trees serve to represent his unwavering strength and dedication to instill Filipino values and imprint their identity for future generations to grow into and enjoy.
Meanwhile, the “kabataan” Rizal looked so highly upon as the “pag-asa ng bayan” also paid him tribute through the annual Arnis Tournament, paying homage to the National Hero’s prowess in the sport.
According to Dapitan City Mayor Seth Frederick Jalosjos, Rizal Day is always the highlight of the year for Dapitanons, emphasizing that it is an honor to be part of Rizal’s life and to have Rizal be part of Dapitan.
“Even up to this day, Rizal’s work is still very relevant,” Mayor Jalosjos said.
He went on to say that the City is constantly reflecting upon the National Hero’s values.
“We constantly ask ourselves, if Rizal were still alive today, would he be happy with what Dapitan has become?” he explained.
With the theme “Rizal sa Bagong Pilipinas: Buhay at Aral, Aming Nilalandas”, today’s celebration of the National Hero’s martyrdom looks to reflect on Rizal’s life and values, and bring them into the modern world embodied by the modern Filipino. (EDT/PJF/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)
