RIZAL PARK

About Rizal Park

Hailed as one of the largest urban parks in Asia, Rizal Park, Luneta is one of Manila’s iconic destinations as the “birthplace of Philippine nationalism”.

It is the final resting place of Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, where one can witness the changing of the guards, and a sacred site for many Filipinos martyred during the Spanish colonial era.

Today, it is a favorite place for Filipino families and tourists to gather, learn about Philippine history, culture, and heritage through its numerous gardens, plazas, and monuments.

Various developments that can be observed around the park are some of the efforts being done by the Department of Tourism and National Parks Development Committee, in cooperation with different private agencies to rekindle the glory of Rizal Park, Luneta.

Until now, the park continues to play an important part not just in Philippine history but also in the lives of people. The NPDC continues to develop Rizal Park, Luneta as a true people’s park where Filipino families can commune with nature and have fun by making it more environmentally sustainable and turning it into a world-class urban park.

History of Rizal Park

The rich history of Rizal Park began in the 1800s. It was formerly called “Luneta,” derived from the French word Lunette, which means a crescent-shaped fort.

It has a fine and wide carriage drive called “La Calzada” where Manila’s elite would get together to enjoy the evening with music and social events.

It hosted businesses among Manila’s most influential groups. Likewise, the site was also used by the Spaniards as an execution ground for rebels and activists.

On December 30, 1896, Dr. Jose Rizal, the person who opened the consciousness of Filipinos to fight for the country’s freedom through his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, was executed on charges of initiating a rebellion against the Spanish government.

The post-war period paved the way for various changes and progress in the country.

Former Mayor Arsenio Lacson spearheaded the revival and development of Manila from 1952 to 1962 with the objective of bringing back its glory as the country’s capital.

Several projects were planned and implemented, leading to the development of Luneta into “one of the most modern parks in the Far East.”

In 1963, President Diosdado Macapagal issued EO 30 creating an Executive Committee for the development of Quezon Memorial, Luneta, and other National Parks.

From 1963 to 1967, around Php 15,000,000.00 was spent on the park for the implementation of various development projects.

Through donations from private businesses and individual citizens, park development continued, including the creation of International Gardens, art galleries, park attractions, and other facilities.

Cultural programs such as Concert at the Park and Paco Park Presents were introduced.