DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte, Dec. 30 (PIA) - Rizal's footsteps before his martyrdom left a great impression to places he once visited and stayed over. Dapitan City is no less, being his place of exile, where he spent some four memorable years and met his beloved Josephine Bracken.

In commemoration of the Rizal Day observed every 30th day of December, the local government unit of Dapitan arranged several activities to remember the National Hero's time in the city which include cooking contest of his favorite Filipino dish and an impersonation contest of Dr. Jose Rizal and Josephine Bracken.
 
Some nine handsome lads and beautiful lasses vied to win the crown who looks more and portrayed best the characters of Dr. Rizal and Josephine.
 
While, three professional chefs from local restaurants in the city contend in the cook-off dubbed "Kaluto ni Rizal" where three of his favorite dishes, Rellenong Bangus, Bistek Tagalog and the Filipino's all time go-to-food Pansit took center stage.

The activities were all part of the "Handuraw Festival" of Dapitan City that centers on the life of Rizal and his contributions as National Hero.

City Tourism Officer Apple Marie Agolong said “we came up with another Kaluto 2.0. so that the youth will know kung ano ‘yong mga paborito ni Rizal.

Rizal Day in Dapitan also highlights a short ceremony with the raising of the Philippine National Flag and laying wreaths at the Rizal monument participated by local and national government offices, private organizations and civic groups.

In her message, delivered by former Congressman Seth Frederick Jalosjos, Presidential Daughter, Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio shared how the Filipinos continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic with the same fervor as the National Hero, Rizal.

She encouraged everyone to unite and help one another to heal from this crisis.

“Like Dr. Jose Rizal’s bravery and determination to spark hope and truth among his countrymen, we emulate this spark now as we push forward to overcome this latest challenge. Wither it is fighting for freedom or a pandemic, we Filipinos stand together."
 
This year's Rizal Day theme is “Rizal: Para sa Agham, Katotohanan at Buhay”. (NBE/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte/with reports and photos from City Information Division-Dapitan)