The city government here kicked off the commemoration of the 163rd birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal on Saturday with free medical and dental services in the villages of Lingga and Palingon.

The medical mission, part of the broader “Calambagong Buhayani Caravan,” is a fitting way to celebrate Rizal’s birthday given that the national hero was himself a doctor, according to Mayor Roseller Rizal.

The mayor, a descendant of the national hero, said the service caravan will also visit communities to help facilitate birth certificate applications and provide legal advice at the comfort of their homes.

“(The) festival draws inspiration from Dr. Jose Rizal’s life and works, aiming to honor individuals who selflessly serve their communities, much like the revered national hero,” Mayor Rizal told reporters.

The medical mission features consultations conducted by a team of physicians from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and its Brotherhood of Medical Scholars.

The dental mission is bankrolled by the provincial government.

The commemoration of Rizal’s birth anniversary will culminate on the actual day, June 19, with a series of activities organized by the city’s Cultural Affairs, Tourism, and Sports Development Department.

The celebration will start with floral offerings at the Museo ni Rizal, followed by the Buhayani Grand Float Parade and street dancing in the afternoon, and the “Calambagong Buhayani” concert.

Expected to grace the occasion are Senator Imee Marcos, National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Lisa Guerrero-Nakpil and Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa. (PNA)