First Rizal monument inspires Camarines festival

In quaint Daet, the capital town of Camarines Norte province stands the First Rizal Monument, one of the less heralded but important historic landmarks pertaining to our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.

Located in a river park, the 15-foot pylon was built through the townsfolk’s financial contributions. Lt. Colonels Antonio Sanz and Ildefonso Alegre of the Revolutionary Army led its construction in compliance with the 1898 decree of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, then- president of the Revolutionary Government, to observe December 30 as a national holiday in the “Free Philippines.”