27/03/2025
Why Rizal? 🤔
Many places in the Philippines are named "Rizal" in honor of the national hero, Dr. José Rizal, who was a symbol of the Philippine struggle for independence.
Hence, the Municipality of Rizal, Zamboanga Del Norte. 📌
Was this a last minute decision by the council before? Maybe Rizal dropped by here during his exile in Dapitan. Normally there’s a story behind the name of a place which make its identity.
The answer is quite boring. A petition was strongly endorsed by former Governor Sirapio Datoc of the province of Zamboanga pleading for the creation of a town to be named Rizal in honor of our National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal which was latter approved through Executive Order No. 385, around December 1950.
But prior to this the Town was originally named Maniway (After a lady who committed su***de beside the creek), then changed to New Tolon as a barrio.
Since the petition was approved, Rizal a town comprises the following barrios of Mapang, Mabuhay, Sipaon, Tolon, Napilan, Nangcaan, Birayan, Nasipang, Sebaca, Nangca, Marapong Diot, San Roque, Balatakan, Towayon, Narok, Sacro, New Carcar, Bombongan, Singaran, Labana and Salwagan was established.
Etymology of a place provides historical or cultural context. Now, you know why our home is called Rizal. Now, what do we call our inhabitants? Rizalnon? Rizalenos? Rizalian? Taga-Rizal lang? Rizalistas? 🤣
Any thoughts?
