The Knights of Rizal (KCR), students of history, local officials, and the Boy Scouts of the Philippines attended a ceremony Aug. 1 commemorating the 128th anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal’s arrival in Dumaguete from Dapitan.
Rizal was on board the ship “España” for a stopover, in transit to Manila to begin his eventual exile in Cuba.
During his stopover, Rizal met with his friends and enjoyed the hospitality of residents, which left a good impression on him, a city press release said.
The ceremony was held at the site where the construction of the monument of Rizal is ongoing and once completed, aims to constantly remind citizens, tourists, and youth of his bravery, sacrifice, virtues, and heroism.
The event’s keynote speaker, Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo, who is also a member of the KCR, urged the participants to reflect on the life and works of the national hero, who fought against the abuse, exploitation, and corruption of the colonizers.
Remollo spearheaded the construction of the life-size monument of the national hero at the most appropriate site at Pantawan People’s Park along Rizal Boulevard to commemorate the historical moment when he arrived in Dumaguete on Aug. 1, 1896, the city said. ||
