The monument of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal in Legazpi was built in 1924 (two decades before WWII) under Mayor Crispin de la Torre. The sculptor was Tomas Zamora. After the war, it was re-erected in 1966 by Legazpi City Mayor Luis S. Los Baños and Architect Everardo Napay. Behind the monument was Legazpi Public School, now Ibalon Central School.

The inscription of Rizal Monument in Legazpi City reads:

Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda

(Junio 19,1861- Diciembre 30,1896)

“Al heroe inmortal e invicto martyr, La Ciudad de Legazpi dedica este monumento dentro de la plaza embellecida por contribucion publica de sus habitantes, como humilde tributo a la memoria imperecedera de su vida.”

English translation- “To the immortal hero & unbowed martyr, the City of Legazpi dedicates this monument in the beautified plaza by public contribution of its inhabitants, as a humble tribute to the enduring memory of his life.”