The 12.5-foot tall 3D printed monument of Dr. Jose Rizal will be unveiled by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Dec. 30 in commemoration of the Philippines' national hero's 125th year of martyrdom.
Dubbed as "Dr. Jose Rizal, The Filipino Scientist," the country's tallest 3D monument is designed by Professor Jose Manuel Sicat of the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts.
DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevara said the project underscores the "prolific contribution of our national hero in science and engineering."
"This project is an undertaking that combines science, history, and art as we commemorate the 125th year of the martyrdom of our national hero," Guevara said.
We're all familiar with the achievement of Dr. Jose Rizal, his contribution as nationalist in founding La Liga Filipina, and his famous novels, Noli Me Tanger and El Filibusterismo are all instrumental in sparking the independence of our country from 300 years of foreign rule," she added.
Meanwhile, DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña added that if Rizal is still alive, he would enjoy various technological advancements such as the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen).
Opened to the public in April, AMCen houses cutting-edge 3D printing technologies capable of printing plastics, clays and cement, highly-resolved polymers and ceramics, and metals.
"Naiisip ko lang na kung nabubuhay si Dr. Rizal ngayon, nakikita kong narito sya sa AMCen at lumilikha rin ng mga kakaibang produkto gamit ang 3D printing technology (I believe that if Dr.Rizal were alive today, I could see that he would be here at AMCen, also creating products using 3D printing technology)," de la Peña said.
"Si Dr. Rizal ay likas na malikhain, nakakasiguro ako na matutuwa sya na mag-eksperimento gamit ang mga makabagong teknolohiya ng AMCen (Dr. Rizal is naturally creative, I am sure he will be happy to experiment with AMCen's innovative technology," he added.
De la Peña hopes the 3D monument of Rizal will serve as a symbol of his contributions to the Philippines and in the field of science.