DAPITAN CITY, Sep. 15 (PIA) – Following the success of their recent Ironman 5150 Triathlon and proving that they have more to offer visitors other than the white sands of Dakak and the child-like whimsicality of Glorietta’s Fantasy Land, the City of Dapitan is highlighting and anchoring their tourism on their biggest and most well-known attraction – their heritage.

Known to be where he spent his most productive years after writing his renowned novels, Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal’s legacy is ingrained into almost every aspect of Dapitan’s lifestyle and landscape.

“Dr. Jose Rizal died in Luneta, he lived in Laguna – that’s where he was born – but his spirit, his works, are alive only here in Dapitan,” City Mayor Seth Frederick “Bullet” Jalosjos said.

It can be remembered that on September 9, the day before the Ironman 5150 was held, the city conducted its unique “Noli” Run, a 4km fun run where they encouraged runners to pay homage to the National Hero’s work by running in Spanish-Era attire.

To motivate athletes into participating, the city offered a Php 20 thousand cash prize for the Best Costume awardees.

Among other festivities during the event were Heritage Tour sessions and the Tertulia con Tito George (Discussions with Uncle George) where triathletes and visitors got to sit down for afternoon tea with George Aseniero, grandson of Jose Aseniero who was a student of Dr. Jose Rizal.

Mayor Jalosjos also revealed that they are currently aiming for the two Guinness World Records in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The DOST gave the city a grant for Php 10 million for a 4-story structure of Jose Rizal which they aim to be the tallest structure of the National Hero in the world while doubling as the world’s tallest structure made with 3D printing.

According to Mayor Jaloslos, they are hoping to inaugurate said structure by December this year as a testament to their efforts in becoming the Jose Rizal capital of the Philippines.

On September 14, not even a week after their historic 5150 Triathlon, Dapitan opened the registration for their first ever Noli Eco Trail Run which will take participants through a 5km course of the Jose Rizal Memorial Landscape stating and ending at the city’s beloved Rizal Shrine. (RVC/PJF/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)