Isabela City joined the nation today in honoring the heroism of Dr. Jose Rizal at Plaza Rizal, December 30, marking the 129th Anniversary of his martyrdom with the theme “Rizal: Sa Pagbangon ng mga Mamamayan, Aral at Diwa Mo ang Tunay na Gabay” (Rizal: As Our People Rise, Your Teachings and Wisdom Guide Our Way).
The commemoration was led by Vice Mayor Ar-Jhemar K. Ajibon, who also celebrated his birthday during the ceremony, transforming the occasion into both a moment of remembrance and a personal call to service.
Speaking on behalf of City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, Vice Mayor Ajibon urged the community to look to Rizal as a model for good governance, integrity, and public accountability, reminding everyone that leadership is proven not by position, but by purpose.
The ceremony featured a wreath-laying at the Rizal Monument, led by Vice Mayor Ajibon, and COL Philip Fagel, Deputy Brigade Commander of 1101st Infantry “Gagandilan” Brigade) of the Philippine Army.
The wreath-laying ceremony was followed by “Taps,” a bugle call, marking the patriotic memorial for Rizal’s contributions to the country.
Also present were local officials and sector representatives who joined in the wreath-laying rites such as Councilor Alexes Ututalum, Councilor Jashim Tiplani, City Assessor Vido Yu, LEDIPO Chief Jaime Juanito Rivera, Acting City Engineer Reynaldo Dagohoy and employees of various departments of the City Government. Also in attendance were and Isabela City Fire Marshal FSINSP Vincent Teodoro, among other representatives of the security sector.
The commemoration is organized annually by the City Government of Isabela through the City Human Resource Management Office. This year’s edition was participated in by the 1101st Infrantry Brigade and 6th Special Forces Battalion of the Philippine Army, PNP Isabela City Police Station,
PNP Maritime Group – Isabela City, PNP Special Action Force, PCG Isabela City Station, BFP Isabela City Fire Station, BJMP Isabela City Jail,
Philippine Army Reservists, and Philippine Air Force Reservists.
There were also representatives from DepEd SDO-Isabela City, DOLE-ICFO, Basilan Medical Center, National Food Authority, KofC Sagrada Corazon de Jesus Assembly, IOFG Jardin del Oriente Lodge No 57, F&AM Juan S. Alano Lodge No 137, and the Order of DeMolay. (Words by M. Guerrero, CIO/Photos by KJ Evardo, IsaTV)
