The Cebu City Council headed by Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella (2nd from left) with the officers and members of the Knights of Rizal and representatives of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines unveil the new street marker in front of City Hall bearing the name of national hero
Dr. Jose Rizal.
CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA
Last June 19, Cebuanos unveiled a gift for the 157th birth anniversary of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.
One of Cebu City’s busiest streets, was baptized Rizal Lane.
The entire stretch of road, fronting Cebu City’s legislative building from D. Jakosalem Street to P. Burgos is now dedicated in honor of Rizal’s legacy and heroism.
The short thoroughfare was previously named in honor of Anacieto Del Rosario, a friend of Rizal and one of three Filipino scientists during the Pre-American period; and later renamed as City Hall Lane.
But following calls from members of the Knights of Rizal – Cebu Chapter, the Cebu City Council , through Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera unanimously passed an ordinance last June 5 which again renamed the busy street.
The move entailed a repeal of City Ordinance No. 1734 which named A. Del Rosario Street as City Hall Lane.
With the passage of the new ordinance, the city government held a ceremonial unveiling of Rizal Lane, and offered flowers at the marker in Plaza Sugbo.
Those who attended the ceremony were Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, Cebu City Councilors Sisinio Andales, Margarita Osmeña, Joel Garganera, and Pesquera.
Labella, who led the street’s unveiling noted that the event was timed in order to make the commemoration of Rizal’s birthday more special.
Labella extended his gratitude to the council for approving the ordinance.
Celebration
The renaming of the street was celebrated by enthusiasts of Rizal’s life, such as Christian Joseph Bonpua.
As he witnessed the unveiling ceremony, Bonpua said that it was not only an unforgettable moment for him but a very happy one.
Bonpua’s fascination with Rizal started as kid when his grandmother took him to Luneta Park in Metro Manila.
“By having the street of the City Hall named after Rizal, we honor all Filipino scientists, poets, educators, doctors, heroes and the aspirations of the young ones right at the very center of our beloved City,” Bonpua told Cebu Daily News in an interview.
An entire road -stretching up to over 100 kilometers was once dedicated to the national hero and it happened to be the longest street in Cebu.
Natalio Bacalso Ave., that traverses the southeastern portion of the province, from downtown Cebu City to Santander town, was once called Rizal Lane.
“For years, the order of the Knights of Rizal had been struggling to bring back the name of the national hero on the streets throughout Cebu after the famous Rizal Avenue was changed to N. Bacalso Ave.,” said Edison delos Angeles, a member of Knights of Rizal and a former broadcaster in a speech during the ceremony.
“Not that we disagree but we revered N. Bacalso worth to have his name on the longest street of Cebu,” he explained.
“ Our only dream was to bring back Rizal’s name on the streets of Cebu. Today, that dream has come true,” he added.
Cebu’s Knights of Rizal are grateful for the efforts of those who made their dreams a reality.
“What better place to put his name but in the heart of Cebu City – the Cebu City Hall,” said delos Angeles.