Dumaguete observes 115th Rizal Day

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philipines  – The city government joins the rest of the country today in celebrating the 115th death anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

The celebration, with this year’s theme “Rizal: Haligi ng Bayan,” will be held at the city’s Quezon Park with Silliman University president, Dr. Ben Malayang, as this year’s guest speaker.

Shortly after the simultaneous ringing of church bells, taps and sounding of sirens, volleys, raising and taps at 7 a.m, floral offerings will be done at the foot of the Rizal Monument..

This will be led by Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria, followed by Vice Mayor Alan Gel Cordova, Reps. Jocelyn Limkaichong (1st district), George Arnaiz (2nd dist.) and Pryde Henry Teves (3rd dist.), Governor Roel Degamo, DepEd superintendent Ramir Uytico, ABC president Albert Aquino, PNP provincial director Sr. Supt. Edward Caranza, City Police director Supt. Crisaleo Tolentino, Fire Marshal Chief Insp. William Tacaldo, Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines and the Knights of Rizal.

These will be followed by the raising of the Philippine Flag, and then the ecumenical invocation to be led by Rev. Msgr. Julius Hereula and SU pastor Rev. Bernadette Morales.

This year’s love offering would be for the victims of Sendong in this city.  (FREEMAN)