DOST commemorates Jose Rizal’s time as a scientist with a 3D-printed monument

To commemorate the 125th anniversary of Jose Rizal’s martyrdom, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) unveiled the tallest 3D-printed monument depicting the national hero’s time as a scientist. 

Standing at 12.5-feet, the “Jose Rizal: Filipino scientist” statue was inspired by Rizal’s contributions in the field of science and literature. The 3D-printed monument portrayed the hero as a medical scientist, engineer, agriculturist, and environmentalist. 

The monument was designed by Prof. Jose Manuel Sicat of the UP College of Fine Arts and was developed at the DOST Advanced Manufacturing Center of the Metals Industry Research and Development Center.

During the unveiling of the statue, DOST undersecretary Dr. Rowena Guevarra said the statue is meant to honor Rizal’s advocacy for truth that will benefit the lives of his countrymen. 

“It is our fervent hope that Rizal’s life as a model Filipino scientist, embodied in the largest 3D-printed monument in the country, will be a reminder that our scientists are heroes like Dr. Jose Rizal,” Guevarra added.

According to DOST, the monument was printed in acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), a material known for its ability to withstand chemicals, impact, UV, and high temperature. The statue’s foundation features steel designed to stand firm against winds of 330-kilometers per hour and a seven-magnitude earthquake.