ZAMBOANGA Del Norte Representative Romeo Jalosjos Jr. sought a P100-million funding for the construction of the state-of-the-art Dr. Jose Rizal Theater of the Arts and Culture in Dapitan City.

In his House Bill 10150, Jalosjos said that Dapitan City takes pride in having a direct historical relation with the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.

“While his years in Dapitan were marred with the pain of exile, they were nonetheless productive in that he had an immense impact and contribution to the life of the city,” Jalosjos said in his explanatory note.

The lawmaker stressed that Rizal’s work, particularly his novels, have been repeatedly adapted for various art forms such as literature, theater and film.

“The establishment of the first state-of-the-art public facility theater of the arts and culture in Dapitan City will boost the city’s growing industry for culture and the arts thereby promoting a deep sense historical awareness and cultureal heritage,” the lawmaker stressed.

Jalosjos said his bill aims to encourage the people to preserve, promote, enhance and develop cultural heritage and prod cultural groups to hold or stage exhibitions, performances and similar activities.

It also aims to discover, assist and develop talents connected with various cultural pursuits and create opportunities to individuals in the self-expression of cultural affairs.