Just in time for the 161st birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), launched a special exhibit in Museo de Calamba at the Rizal Shrine in Calamba, Laguna on Sunday, June 19.
DOST said in a statement that it recognizes the significant contributions and impact of Rizal in the field of science. The exhibit, dubbed as the Dr. Jose P. Rizal: The Filipino Scientist Exhibit, will be open to the public beginning June 19.
A 2 feet 3D-Printed Monument of Dr. Jose P. Rizal will serve as the main attraction of the gallery together with several publications and other information materials sharing the stories and journey of our national hero as an agriculturist, biologist, researcher and medical doctor.
DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, together with NHCP Chairperson Dr. Rene Escalante, led the formal launching of the exhibit. National Artist Virgilio S. Almario graced the event and performed along with members of the Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA).
"We all know Dr. Rizal, widely considered one of the greatest heroes of the Philippines, through his ideal attributes: a true Filipino patriot, nationalist, advocate of political reforms, agriculturist, polymath, polyglot, and so on. But rarely do we talk about his shining attributes as a scientist," Dela Peña said in a Facebook post.
"We at DOST, through this 3D-printed monument, aims to highlight Dr. Rizal as a great Filipino scientist duly recognized by countries worldwide for his legacy," he added.
The 3D monument is the exact replica of the 12.5 ft Rizal monument standing tall at the plaza of the DOST Science Complex in Bicutan, Taguig City unveiled by DOST on December 30, 2021 in commemoration of his 125th anniversary of martyrdom of the national hero.
It is the first and the largest 3D-printed Rizal monument in the country that was constructed using Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA), a material known for its high mechanical properties that are resistant to high temperature and ultraviolet (UV) exposure.
Its design was inspired by the studies and work of historians and artists of the DOST-National Research Council of the Philippines and was created by Professor Jose Manuel Sicat of the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Fine Arts.
It was developed using world-class, cutting-edge technology by the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center’s Advanced Manufacturing Center. A braille machine will also be available to allow persons with disabilities visiting the museum to enjoy the said exhibit.
Dela Peña also visited the Jose Rizal Museum in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte on Friday, June 17. There, a 9-inch 3D-printed monument of the hero dubbed as "Dr. Jose P. Rizal: The Filipino Scientist" was turned over by DOST and NHCP.