PH Embassy in Canberra Honors the 127^th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal 

Bust of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Philippine Embassy grounds established in 2021 in collaboration with the Knights of Rizal ANZO Region. (Canberra PE photo)

CANBERRA 02 January 2023 – In commemoration of the 127^th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal, Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen De La Vega led the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony on 28 December 2023 in front of Dr. Rizal’s bust at the Embassy grounds. The theme of the 127^thcommemoration is “Rizal: Pundasyon ng Kahapon, Isinasabuhay Ngayon” (Rizal: Foundation of the Past, Living Today). 

Officers and members of the Knights of Rizal (KOR) headed by Sir Ariel Pattugalan, Deputy Commander of Canberra Chapter, and the Kababaihang Rizalista (KRI) Canberra Chapter led by its President, Ms. Marlene Tucker, and leaders of Filipino communities attended the commemoration. Hon. David Smith MP, Federal Member for Bean, also graced the occasion. 

In her remarks, Ambassador De La Vega highlighted the dedication of Dr. Rizal in rising above and facing adversity, and exposing the abuses and injustices of his time while inspiring others to take heart and contribute to the growing struggle for self-determination. She conveyed her appreciation to the KOR and KRI for dedicated love of country and in actively engaging the community in reflecting on the enduring values and lessons from the life and sacrifices of Dr. Rizal. END

^{Ambassador De La Vega, Hon David Smith MP, together with the Knights of Rizal and Kababaihang Rizalista Canberra Chapter, and PH Embassy personnel during the flag-raising ceremony. (Canberra PE photo)}

^{Top: Ambassador Ma. Hellen De La Vega lays a wreath in front of Dr. Rizal’s bust. Bottom: Ambassador De La Vega, Mr. David Smith, with members of Knights of Rizal and Kababaihang Rizalista Canberra Chapter. (Canberra PE photo)}

Clockwise: Ambassador De La Vega, Lady Marlene Tucker of the Kababaihang Rizalista-Canberra Chapter, Sir Ariel Pattugalan of the Knights of Rizal-Canberra Chapter, and Member for Bean, Hon. David Smith MP, pay tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal and his contributions in their remarks. ^{(Canberra PE photo)} 

Members of the Kababaihang Rizalista and Knights of Rizal - Canberra Chapter. Top: (Standing, left to right) Loreen Bastan, Joann Alvendia, Kotch Velasquez, Eileen Eugenio, Liesl Centenera, Ella Bleach, Evanor Palac-McMicken, Lydia Nichols. (Sitting, left to right) Emy Liwag, Cecilia Flores, Ambassador De La Vega, Marlene Tucker, Volet Carolan. Bottom: (Left to right). Roberto Salazar, Daggy Villanueva, Ambassador De La Vega, Ariel Pattugalan and Ian Bull. ^{(Canberra PE photo)}

From left to right: Member for Bean, Hon. David Smith MP, Ambasssador De La Vega and Ms. Liesel Centenera. ^{(Canberra PE photo)} 

Ambassador De La Vega (seated, center) and Ms. Fedelina Donaghue, President of the Philippine Cultural Society in ACT (seated, 2^nd from right) with members of the Knights of Rizal and Kababaihang Rizalista Canberra Chapter. ^{(Canberra PE photo)}

Ambassador De La Vega (seated, center) with officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy and attached agencies. ^{(Canberra PE photo)}

“Noli Me Tangere" (Touch Me Not) by Dr. Jose Rizal is a novel that critiques the oppressive Spanish colonial regime in the Philippines during the 19^th century, exposing social injustices and advocating for reforms. Its sequel, "El Filibusterismo," (The Reign of Greed) delves deeper into the consequences of colonial abuses, oppression and corruption. Both novels are powerful works of literature that aimed to ultimately advocate for social reform and inspiring a sense of national awakening among Filipinos. ^{(Canberra PE photo)} 

For more information, visit https://www.philembassy.org.au or https://www.facebook.com/PHinAustralia/.