Rizal Monument of La Libertad Negros Oriental

 

 

 

The Rizal monument of the Municipality of La Libertad was built during the administration of Honorable Mayor Fabio Torres between the year 1926–1927. From that time up until the term of Honorable Mayor Napoleon Camero, it was located originally in the municipal auditorium. During the administration of Honorable Mayor Lawrence Limkaichong, there was a project, which proposes to develop the municipality auditorium by converting it into a covered court. This project prompted the decision of the town to relocate and rebuild the Rizal monument into a more free field and green area in front of the municipal building and near the police station and health facility probably between the years 2008-2010. Despite being relocated, Dr. Jose Rizal's actual and original statue was maintained, preserved, and reused for its same purpose on the Rizal Monument. The Jose Rizal statue featured in the images above is the original one, which is transferred and restored for the new Rizal monument of the town. As a result of all that has been mentioned, the Rizal Monument has become more prominently recognized and highlighted as an attractive landmark and memorial to our very own beloved National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. 

The ones who initiated the reconstruction of the Rizal monument were the townspeople of La Libertad in coordination with the high officials at that time. The people behind its rebuilding and restoration were the contractors and construction workers employed under Mayor Lawrence Limkaichong and other citizens of La Libertad who voluntarily helped. Yet, there were no specific names of the people who helped hand in hand in successfully reestablishing the new Rizal Monument of La Libertad. Moreover, the materials that they used were cement, gravel, sand, and steel bars. Then after the formation and finishing of the structure, it is painted with pure white-colored paint. Also, the monument stands 18ft from the ground. Lastly, the events held under this monument every year were Independence Day on the 12th of June and Rizal Day on the 30th of December. Unfortunately, there were no mentions of the list of names of speakers during the previously mentioned events. 

The Rizal Monument stands as an important historical and national legacy for Filipinos. It stands as a memorial for us to look back on the courageous and patriotic act of Jose Rizal for our country. It is a landmark of nationalism where we can see different symbols that would embody the heroism that Rizal made, out of love for our country and his countrymen. With all that, may all Filipinos remember his contribution to the freedom that we savor today through giving honor and respect to our very own Rizal monument. Let us all visit our monuments, look up to our hero, and remember that he is a constant example and reminder that we are all heroes of our own. In simple things and small steps, we can do and create a change.