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Governing body City Government of Dapitan | ||
The Dapitan Heritage Zone or Dapitan Historic Center is a declared historic district in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. Because of its prehistoric origins, collection of heritage structures and role in the exile of local patriot Dr. Jose Rizal, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines declared a specific portion of the city, along with its heritage structures, as a Heritage Zone or Historic Center in 2011. The declaration was made in coordination with the 150th birth anniversary of Dr. Rizal in June 2011.
Rationale for Declaration as Heritage Zone/Historic Center
The NHCP board resolution cites several reasons for the declaration of certain areas in downtown Dapitan City as Heritage Zone/Historic Center:
- Dapitan is considered as one of the oldest settlements in Northern Mindanao
- Dapitan was founded as a mission by the Jesuits in 1629
- Dr. Jose Rizal was exiled in Dapitan, initially detained at the Casa Real before being transferred to Talisay (now the José Rizal Memorial Protected Landscape in Dapitan)
- Downtown Dapitan showcases a good number of heritage structures, some of which are officially declared by national government agencies as National Historical Landmarks and National Cultural Treasure
References
Dapitan Heritage Zone Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA