Laguna provincial officials headed by Gov. Teresita “Ningning” S. Lazaro will lead the celebration of one of Laguna’s most important historical events - the 145th Birthday of the province’s famous son and the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, on June 19, 2006 at the hero’s birthplace in Calamba City. The annual festivity is expected to start with a flag raising ceremony and floral offerings at the Rizal Shrine.

     This will be followed by the Parade of Floats, as one of the highlights of this spectacle, from different participants that will depict the historical events from the birth of Rizal to the transferring of his bones to Luneta. The floats will feature individual characters acting out as to how the history progresses. Participants include business establishments, corporate organizations, associations, schools, socio-civic and cause-oriented groups, and different barangay delegations.

     As the mother of the province and as a former teacher, Gov. Lazaro envisioned Rizal’s objectives and principles by prioritizing the education of the needy but deserving Lagunenses. Under the Provincial Government’s Sulong Edukasyon program, Laguna University is now fully prepared to serve the less-fortunate Lagunenses this June. This is aside from the TSL or Top Scholars of Laguna program with more than 4,000 beneficiaries from all over the province that are given financial assistance.

     Gov. Lazaro stressed Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s ideals and devotion as exemplified in the life and works of the national hero. “Rizal’s patriotism and keenness for learning are the backbones of our strength and passion for genuine progress and sustainable development,” Lazaro said in an interview. # (CHRIS SANJI)