BIÑAN, Laguna - The local government unit (LGU) commemorated the 150th anniversary of the completion of Jose Rizal's first formal education in the city.
Present during the Rizal in Biñan Sesquicentennial program were Biñan City Rep. Len Alonte-Naguiat, Mayor Arman Dimaguila, Vice Mayor Gel Alonte, and former senator JV Ejercito.
During his speech, Ejercito commended the city government for giving importance to history even if such projects don't usually rake in votes during elections.
Part of the program organized by the Biñan City History, Arts and Tourism Office (BCHATO) was the inauguration of the newly restored School of Dr. Jose P. Rizal Site and Museum, where the National Hero received his first formal education under Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz.
The program also featured a play performed by the Biñan Youth Performance Council about Rizal's time in the city based on his memoirs, Memorias de un Estudiante de Manila.
At 1 p.m., the LGU held a ceremonial send-off march to Laguna Lake to commemorate Rizal's departure to Calamba via watercraft at exactly the same time in 1871.
