Rizal's Relief Map of Mindanao

Relief Map of Mindanao

Among the many projects that Rizal completed while he was exiled in Dapitan is the Relief Map of Mindanao that he shaped and molded from fertile soil and planted with grass. This project was part of Rizal's cooperative effort with Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez to beautify the town plaza. Fr. Sanchez was Rizal's favorite teacher at the Ateneo who was sent to Dapitan by the Jesuits to help rectify the "unorthodox" views that Rizal had expressed about the Catholic religion.

Despite their disagreements on religion and theology, Rizal and Fr. Sanchez maintained a close personal friendship. The fact that the map they made together out of earth, stones, and grass still adorns the town plaza of Dapitan is a remarkable testament to that friendship.