The City Government of Valenzuela joined the entire nation in celebrating the heroism of the national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, in the occasion of the 115^th Anniversary of his martyrdom through a program paying tribute to his life and works held at his monument at Liwasang Rizal in Barangay Poblacion.          

A play depicting the last moments of Rizal (Dawn Walk) portrayed by the students of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PLV) and Valenzuela City Polytechnic College (VCPC) with music of from the Valenzuela City Band opened the ceremony.  It was followed by a flag raising ceremony with a parade of honor guards of Valenzuela City Assembly led by faithful Navigator Ben Mendoza. Wreaths were offered by different government sectors, as well as various civic and religious organizations in the city.

Dialogues reminiscent of the different life aspects of Rizal were delivered by several society groups.  Jean Maureen Donato, a student from PLV, depicted the youth days of Pepe.  Dr. Lailani Mendoza recounted Rizal’s days when he built a school in Dapitan and taught children of all ages. Mr. Roderick Alo, Director of Tanghalang Banyuhay, described how Rizal loved and made proud on his own culture while P/SUPT Neofilo Caday who represented VCPS Chief of Police P/SSUPT Wilben Mayor gave recognition to Rizal as a hero.

Knights of Rizal – Valenzuela, Deputy Commander Erlindo Dionisio gave an inspirational talk about how Rizal affected the lives of many and gave praise to the City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian as a modern day hero of Valenzuelanos.

The event also gave recognition to the students who excelled in the Rizal Quiz Bee held last December 20 at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela.

The Valenzuela City Cultural Affairs and Tourism Development Office headed by Mr. Barcelito S. de Sotto organizes the activity annually in coordination with Knights of Rizal - Valenzuela Chapter.