The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has a special way of commemorating Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s 125th year of martyrdom on Dec. 30.
The DOST is set to lead on Dec. 30, the unveiling of the 12.5-foot tall 3D printed monument of Rizal to pay tribute to his works and accomplishments not only as the national hero, but also as a scientist.
The country’s tallest 3D monument dubbed as “Dr. Jose P. Rizal, The Filipino Scientist” is designed by Professor Jose Manuel Sicat.
“The design is inspired by studies and works of scientists, historians and artists of the DOST-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP), depicting the national hero as a medical scientist, an engineer/surveyor, an agriculturist, and a naturalist-environmentalist,” the DOST said in a statement.
The monument was 3D printed at the state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing Center of the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), using Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA). ASA is a material known for its high mechanical properties that can withstand impact and high temperature, ultraviolet (UV), and has chemical resistant quality.
The DOST said the structure is further reinforced using steel structure inside the monument that is designed to withstand winds of 330 kilometers per hour (kph) and a 7.0 magnitude earthquake.
It described Sicat’s design as a “work of art and science,” with "Rizal, the Filipino Scientist" as the embodiment of innovation and positive change, bringing science closer to the people.
“We are paying tribute to the many works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal especially in the field of science,” said DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña.
“We believe that this project is a good inspiration for our youth of today to maximize their capabilities and capacity to learning, like Dr. Rizal, there is no circumstance that could stop us from learning.”
The DOST said the project likewise showcased the capabilities of the country’s engineers in creating a massive, complex structure using additive manufacturing technology.
The “Rizal the Filipino Scientist project” is a joint initiative of the DOST and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in cooperation with DOST-NRCP, DOST-MIRDC, and the DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute (STII).