Jalosjos book on Rizal launched in Dapitan

DAPITAN CITY -- Re-arrested former congressman Romeo Jalosjos had his book launched on Thursday at the Jose Rizal Memorial State College. The book, a compilation on letters of the country's National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, and his friend Dr. Ferdinand Blumentrit, was entitled "The Dapitan Correspondence of Dr. Jose Rizal and Dr. Ferdinand Blumentrit. The launching was one of the highlights of Dapitan City's 2nd Handuraw Festival. In his message read by Councilor Apple Marie Agolong, chairperson of the Committee on Tourism, Jalosjos said Rizal's and his friend's letters were full of commitment and concern for others' welfare. Jalosjos stressed that Rizal in his solitude in a strange land, managed to live a fruitful life because of the "inspiration he received from his friend, Blumentritt." The Regional Trial Court in Zamboanga City has given the solicitor general 48 hours to explain the legality of his arrest in Dapitan. Jalosjos repeatedly said the Bureau of Prisons has given him discharge certificate and that he has been freed from imprisonment. Jalosjos has been in jail since 1997 after he was convicted of statutory rape. Meanwhile, Czech Republic Ambassador to the Philippines Jaroslav Ludva did not make it to the book launching but relayed that he is buying 200 copies of the book to be brought to his country. The publisher of the book has initially printed out 500 copies for sale and distribution. Present to accept the book was Lawyer Ramoncita V. Reyes, grand-daughter of Rizal from his sister's side. "Dapitan holds a special place in the Philippine history for it was the place where my great grand-uncle, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, was exiled and where he stayed for about four years just before he was executed in Bagumbayan, which is Rizal Park today," Reyes said. The launching was one of the highlights of the Handuraw festival. Handuraw, a Visayan term for recollection or flashback, was started last year by the City Government of Dapitan in honor of Dr. Jose Rizal, who had left living memories in the lives of the people in this place. The City Council of Dapitan passed last year a resolution, proclaiming "Handuraw Festival" an annual festival. Since last year, the City Government of Dapitan, together with various civic groups and business organizations, has embarked on a plan, enhancing the city's tourism industry by restoring Dr. Jose Rizal's historical heritage. - Sun.Star