Instead of the usual wreath-laying ceremony, the commemoration of the 160th birth anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was observed with the offering of seedlings of fruit-bearing trees.
Holding pots of seedlings, Mayor Jeri Mae Calderon of Angono and several officials and members of the Knights of Rizal-Angono Chapter commemorated Rizal’s birth anniversary at the hero’s monument outside the town hall, June 19.
Calderon said instead of the usual flower offerings, the municipal government thought of offering seedlings to symbolize the youth’s determination and hope for their future.
The seedling offering ceremony has been going on in the town regularly, and the activity this year was the second since last year’s Rizal birth anniversary.
“We hope that the youth, just like the seedlings, will grow and be productive and beneficial to the community, “ Calderon told Manila Bulletin in a phone interview.
More than 30 seedlings of narra, avocado and vegetables were offered at the foot of Rizal monument.
The seedlings would then be planted at various community gardens in the town as part of the local government’s pro-environment initiatives.