Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte — The city where Dr. Jose P. Rizal spent four fruitful years of his life during exile commemorated today the 128th anniversary of his martyrdom at Rizal Park in Barangay Talisay. The program, led by the City Government of Dapitan, was followed by a tree-planting activity to honor Rizal’s legacy of environmental stewardship and community building.
This year’s celebration was anchored on the theme, “Rizal sa Bagong Pilipinas: Buhay at Aral Aming Nilalandas” (Rizal in the New Philippines: His Life and Teachings as Our Guide).
In his speech during the morning program, Dapitan City Mayor Seth Frederick P. Jalosjos emphasized the enduring impact of Rizal’s heroism and teachings.
“Today, we commemorate the 128th anniversary of the martyrdom of our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal—a true Filipino exemplar who dedicated his life to the fight for freedom, justice, and progress for our nation’s future,” Mayor Jalosjos said.
He called on the people of Dapitan to reflect on Rizal’s life, not only as a historical figure but as a source of inspiration for their aspirations and actions toward a better Philippines.
“As Dapitanons, we are fortunate to have been a significant part of Rizal’s history. During his stay in our beloved city, he became a teacher, a doctor, and an advocate for change—a Rizal who showed the importance of education, science, art, and compassion as the foundation for true progress,” the mayor added.
Honoring Rizal’s Legacy Through Development
Mayor Jalosjos also highlighted the city government’s initiatives inspired by Rizal’s values. Programs like “Serbisyo Bilis para sa mga Bata” prioritize youth development by fostering education and talent cultivation.
“Our vision for Dapitan is clear: Guided by Dr. Jose Rizal’s values, we envision Dapitan as a globally competitive tourist destination, the first smart heritage city in the Philippines, and a regional hub for agri-fisheries by 2040. It will thrive as a center of learning and economic growth through inclusive governance and sustainable development,” Mayor Jalosjos declared.
He cited the city’s achievements, including the Layag Awards for Excellence in Local Governance and the Seal of Good Local Governance, as proof of their commitment to modernization anchored in history and culture.
A Call for Unity and Action
The mayor ended his message by urging the community to embody Rizal’s teachings through unity, compassion, and collective action.
“Let us not limit this commemoration to ceremony. Let us live by his lessons through our unity, empathy, and collaboration. Together, let us make Rizal’s dream for our city a reality—a Dapitan that grows in knowledge, thrives in sustainable resource management, and strengthens its community ties,” Mayor Jalosjos concluded.
The commemoration served as a poignant reminder of Dr. Jose Rizal’s enduring influence on Dapitan and the nation as a whole, with his life and teachings continuing to guide the city’s journey toward a brighter future.
