SCREENGRAB FROM BIÑAN CITY MAYOR LEN NAGUIAT’S FACEBOOK PAGE
A century-old statue of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal in Laguna was decapitated by lightning on Tuesday, Biñan City Mayor Len Naguiat said.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Naguiat shared a photo of Rizal’s monument at Biñan Plaza, which was believed to be sculpted by National Artist Guillermo Tolentino, without the head.
“Today marks a downcast [day] for Biñan’s heritage. Yesterday, the century-old Jose Rizal Monument in Biñan Plaza was [struck] by lightning during the heavy rainfall,” Naguiat said in the caption.
Naguiat assured her constituents that the local government was coordinating with concerned agencies for the restoration of the monument.
“The City Government of Biñan is currently working on its plans for the restoration of the structure. Working together with all involved local and national agencies to ensure that our rich heritage is preserved. We will intensify this commitment more importantly for our future generation – ‘the hope of our Motherland,’ as Rizal [referred to] it,” she said.
The mayor said no act of nature can stop the local government and the community from preserving their heritage.
“We could only feel sad about [these] unexpected occurrences, but together as Biñanenses, we can work hand-in-hand in ensuring that our glorious past is available for our children to see, to relive, and be proud of. As one, we will work doubly hard to enliven our heritage and once again bring vibrancy to this iconic monument,” she added.
Naguiat also shared that it was not the first time that a heritage structure in the city was struck by lightning.
“In the late 1800s the belfry of Biñan Church was also struck by lightning, but through the cooperation of our people, it was rebuilt to what it is today,” the mayor said. Yuji Vincent Gonzales/CDG