PH Consulate General in Xiamen commemorates 125th anniversary of Rizal’s martyrdom

Consul General Maria Antonina M. Mendoza-Oblena of the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen and spouse, Minister and Consul General Dinno Oblena, offer a wreath in a solemn and momentous ceremony in honor of the 125th Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Jose Rizal Square in the hometown of his forefather in Shangguo Village, Jinjiang City, Fujian Province, China. (Xiamen PCG photo)

XIAMEN CITY, 29 December 2021— In honor of the 125th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal, a wreath laying ceremony was held in the village of his forefather, in the Chinese village of Shangguo, Jinjiang city, Fujian province. Consul General Maria Antonina M. Mendoza-Oblena and Minister and Consul General Dinno M. Oblena lay the wreath in the largest shrine dedicated to Jose Rizal outside of the Philippines.

Chinese officials from Quanzhou and Jinjiang cities witnessed the event. Also in attendance were the Chief of Xintang Sub-district, Chief of Shangguo Community, Xintang Sub-district, and one representative from Rizal’s ancestral family.

The Philippine Consulate General personnel, Lt. Col. Hermilino T. Calubiran, Jr., Assistant Philippine Defense and Forces Attaché (PhilDAFA) from the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, officers of the Filipino Association in Xiamen, and other foreign friends and contacts took part in the milestone event.

The event was part of the Consulate General – Sentro Rizal commemorative programs, remembering the National Hero’s life and works and showcasing his ancestral roots in Shangguo Village, Jinjiang City, Fujian.

Jose Rizal’s forefather, Cua Yi Lam (later baptized as Domingo Lam Co), hailed from Shangguo Village, Jinjiang City, Fujian Province. In 2000, after years of research, planning, and coordination between the Philippines and China representatives, the Rizal Park was opened in Shangguo Village. Patterned after the Luneta Park, the Jose Rizal Square is currently the largest commemorative Park outside the Philippines dedicated to Rizal. It also serves as a lasting symbol of the friendship and deep historical and kinship ties between the Philippines and Fujian Province, China.

The event was live streamed via Youtube and Facebook. A video of the event can be viewed via https://youtu.be/eAwTqJSbHU4. END

For more information, visit https://www.xiamenpcg.dfa.gov.ph.