THE City of Dapitan in Zamboanga del Norte marked the 155th birth anniversary on Sunday, June 19, of the country's national hero with the inauguration of the modernized Museo ni Jose Rizal.
Dr. Maria Serena Diokno, chairperson of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), led the opening of the modernized museum with Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Armin Luistro as the guest of honor.
They were joined by the Dapitan City Government officials spearheaded by Mayor Rosalina Jalosjos.
The inauguration of the modernize Museo ni Jose Rizal Museum forms part of the week-long activities of the 53rd Charter Day Anniversary of Dapitan City that started June 16 and to culminate on June 22.
The NHCP has allocated P100 million for the renovation of the museum. The fund was released in three tranches. First to be released was P40 million for the renovation of the building, including the pathways, followed by P20 million for the curatorial and monument, and the remaining P40 million for the construction of new seawall and bike lane to be implemented next month.
The Museo ni Jose Rizal is located at the site of Rizal's farm in the village of Talisay, Dapitan, where the national hero spent four years in exile productively.
The museum exhibits include a variety of interactive features such as audio visual presentations, light-and-sound tableaus, holograms, and touch screen terminals featuring Rizal's everyday activities as a political exile in Dapitan.
The NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote Philippine history through its museums, research and publication, and preserve the nation's historical heritage through conservation and the marking of historic sites and structures.
In Zamboanga City, Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has called on the youth sector to believe in their innate talents and abilities and use it for God's glory as she led multi-sectoral groups in the commemoration of the 155th birth anniversary of Rizal.
Referring to celebration's theme "Rizalism: The Emergency of Peace, Solidarity and Good Governance," Salazar said Rizal in his youth was belittled and depreciated by the Spaniards, but with his talents and capabilities, he stood up and defended his people for a person's worth is not based on his color or race but rather it is God's gift.
"Today, as we celebrate Rizal's birth anniversary, I encourage the young people and most particularly for the teachers, to inspire our young people to believe that we have God-given talents and we should use it for His glory," Salazar said.
She also cited the military and the police and other uniformed men present during the early morning program Sunday. "Thank you for defending us and helping us give peace while we the people are trying to give solidarity," she said.
Top military and police officials, representatives and officials of national government agencies, other local officials, and representatives of the different sectors joined the commemoration activity.
The event was jointly organized by the City Government and the local chapter of the Order of the Knights of Rizal. (Bong Garcia)