The City Government in collaboration with the Order of the Knights of Rizal-Zamboanga City chapter will spearhead activities commemorating the 159th birth anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal today, June 19 at the Rizal Monument fronting City Hall.
City caretaker and OIC Mayor Atty. Alexander Eric Elias will lead officials of national government agencies, local government unit, non-government organizations, academe, police and military during the event that will kick off at 8am with the flag raising ceremony followed by the floral offering at the foot of the monument.
Knights of Rizal-Western Mindanao Area Commander Domingo Falcasantos wll give the opening remarks while the Zamboanga City High School-main choir will provide musical interlude. Atty. Elias will give the inspirational message on behalf of Mayor Beng Climaco.
Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Realonda was born on June 19, 1861, “whose influential works including his novels “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” sparked the Filipino revolution against the Spaniards.” Historical records say that “because of his novels and other writings, he was exiled to Dapitan in Mindanao and executed on December 30, 1896 in Bagumbayan, now known as Luneta Park in Manila.
Main ceremony marking Rizal’s birthday today will be held in Calamba, Laguna, his birthplace, with top national officials keynoting the activity.
Every year, June 19 is declared as a special holiday in the province of Laguna in honor of the national hero. (Sheila Covarrubias)