 |
Jose Rizal surveying with a Jesuit priest. (Contributed photo from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines)
by: Janna Marie Pineda
Jose Rizal wore many hats and has taken on various roles in his lifetime. He was a writer, physician, farmer, anthropologist, archaeologist, linguist, and most importantly, a hero.
However, little did we know, Rizal was a perito agrimensor, too–an expert surveyor. An important aspect of his life and works in contribution to Philippine history and culture.
In hopes that the Filipino nation will also develop an appreciation for Rizal as an expert surveyor, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) held a commemorative ceremony to honor the 143rd anniversary since he obtained his license as an expert surveyor and assessor on November 25, 1881.
 |
| The Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (GEP) , National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), and the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) jointly commemorate the 143rd anniversary of Jose Rizal's license as an expert surveyor. (Photo Courtesy of NHCP) |
Expert surveyor, a modern Geodetic Engineer
An expert surveyor has a specialized knowledge in conducting field surveys to collect data relevant to the implementation of engineering and construction projects.
A surveyor also carries out land demarcation to define the boundaries of a certain property and settles boundary disputes by providing expert testimony in legal proceedings.
At present, the profession of being an expert surveyor is now referred to as a Geodetic Engineer but with a more expansive role in the collection and measurement of spatial data.
One of the significant contributions of Rizal as an expert surveyor was innovation in public works, marking the street layout of Dapitan.
Rizal’s innovations, the benefit of today’s nation
The Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (GEP) strongly recognized the contributions of Rizal in the modern-day practice of geodetic engineering.
Eufemio Agbayani III, an NHCP researcher and historian, shed light on how Rizal used his license as an expert surveyor to improve the lives of fellow Filipinos and how his innovations continue to benefit modern communities to this day.
 |
| NHCP researcher and historian Eufemio Agbayani III delivers a lecture centering on how Rizal obtained a license as an expert surveyor and how he used his license to help the community. (Photo Courtesy of NHCP) |
Jose Rizal is celebrated for his contributions that paved the way for Philippine independence, yet, it would be best if he is also remembered for his innovations which led the way for nation-building. (JMP/PIA-NCR)
0 Comments