MANILA, Philippines - A century-old Jose Rizal statue lost its head after it was hit by lightning.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, city mayor of Biñan, Laguna Len Alonte Naguiat shared the news accompanied with a photo of the statue without the head.
"Today marks a downcast for Biñan's heritage. Yesterday, the century-old Jose Rizal Monument in Biñan Plaza (believed to be sculpted by National Artist Guillermo Tolentino) was struck by lightning during the heavy rainfall," she said.
She also said the city government is currently working on the statue's restoration and that an act of nature cannot stop their community to preserve a heritage.
"We could only feel sad about this unexpected occurrences, but together as Biñanenses, we can work hand-in-hand in ensuring that our glorious past is available for our children to see, to relive, and be proud of," she added.
Rizal is reported to have spent his childhood days in Biñan, where he also had his first formal education before transferring to Manila. The monument was created to honor this affiliation.
The said monument used to be the tallest Rizal edifice in the country before Sta. Cruz, Laguna unveiled their 7.9-meter bronze Rizal statue at the opening of the Palarong Pambansa last year.
The monument is not the first heritage site in Biñan to be struck by lightning. In the late 1800s, the belfry of Biñan Church also had the same fate.