Rizal Day is not just a historical commemoration but it is also a celebration of the country’s culture, unity, pride, and other legacies that Dr. Jose Rizal left for the Filipinos.

For the Municipality of Larena in Siquijor, it is also a celebration of creativity and victory.

The 127th Rizal Day on December 30, 2023 at the Queengate Center, Larena, Siquijor, brought together the community not only to honor the life and legacy of Rizal but also to celebrate and take pride in the local initiatives and triumphs of the Larena community. 

The municipality took pride in the creativity and unity of its people as manifested in the active involvement of the national and local government offices, academe, banking, business, and the private sectors. 

Anchored on the theme “Rizal: Pundasyon ng Kahapon, Isinasabuhay ngayon,” the event was graced by Dr. Justin Jose A. Bulado, a historian and professor from Negros Oriental State University (NORSU).

Bulado emphasized in his speech the relevance of the life, works, and ideals of Dr. Jose Rizal that are considered as instrumental in nation-building until today. 

He said Dr. Jose Rizal died a national hero, sacrificing his life for speaking the truth, for going against the corrupt practices of Spanish colonial officials, and for fighting for equality between Filipinos and Spaniards. 

Bulado said Rizal found a weapon to awaken the minds of the Filipino people. “Rizal wanted the Filipino people to know and understand that even before the coming of the Spaniards , we already have the civilization, we already have the baranganic societies and we were already civilized. Rizal wanted us to take pride of our nationality. One way of being proud is to learn our history, and that is what we lack today,” he said.

“In the advent of social  advent of social media, we tend to believe in things that are not true. Most of this historical distortion are written not to gender pride among Filipinos but more so in redeeming the name of the people in power,” Bulado added

As a tribute to Rizal, offering of flowers to his monument was led by Larena Mayor Cyrus Vincent Calibo.

Part of the celebration was the proclamation of Pasigarbo sa Pasko winners based on the theme “Winter Wonderland : Let It Snow, Let It Flow. Larena Shines in Winter’s Glow."

First prize went to the  Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative with a cash prize of P30,000; 2nd prize tp Department of Public Works and Highways with P25,000 cash; and 3rd prize to the Department of Education Division of Siquijor with a cash prize of P20,000.

Siquijor State College won 4th prize with P10,000; 5th place with P9,000 went to Petron, Nale Construction, Home Depot and National Food Authority; 6th place with P8,000 to the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Department of Agriculture, Provincial Agriculture Technology Coordinating Office, Provincial Veterinary Office, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philpost ug Registry of Deeds; 7th place with P7,000 went to the group of Saint Vincent Academy,  Larena Business Group, Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry, United Church of Christ in the Philippines, Tanbongco Learning Center, Philippine Information Agency, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Public Attorney’s Office, and Couples for Christ; and 8th place with P6,000 went to the group of Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Philippine Coast Guard. 

The Siquijor State College Kultura Filipina folkloric  dance troupe also gave a dance presentation depicting the rich Filipino culture and traditions.  

Larena Mayor Cyrus Vincent M. Calibo thanked the community for their participation in both the Rizal Day celebration and the Christmas Tree Decorating contest.

He underscored the importance of unity as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Rizal and the responsibility of every citizen to contribute to the betterment of the nation. (RAC/CAG/PIA7 Siquijor)