PH Embassy in Rome Commemorates the 127th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal

Philippine Embassy in Rome holds an intimate wreath-laying ceremony in its Sentro Rizal Hall 

ROME 04 January 2024 – The Philippine Embassy in Rome commemorated the 127th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal on 30 December 2023.  Ambassador Neal Imperial led the wreath laying ceremony to the bust of the Philippine national hero in the Sentro Rizal of its chancery in Via Aurelia, Rome.

This year’s theme, “Rizal: Pundasyon ng Kahapon, Isinasabuhay Ngayon” (Rizal: Foundation of the Past, Living Today), encourages Filipinos to reflect on how we can anchor on the values and lessons imparted by Dr. Jose P. Rizal in our lives today. Ambassador Imperial, in his brief message, highlighted how the national hero’s being a world traveler paved the way for the establishment of many Rizal statues, parks and plazas worldwide, and how these landmarks serve as common points of reference for the Philippines and the countries he visited and in which he lived.  

He underscored the importance of these landmarks in reminding overseas Filipinos of their rich history, and helping the second generation of Filipinos in getting to know their heritage and national hero.

On 31 December 2023, Embassy representatives Vice Consul Ma. Claribel Ochoa and Ms. Shirley Mae Rico joined the Knights of Rizal in a wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of Dr. Jose P. Rizal at the Piazzale Manila in Rome.  The short event was also attended by the officers and members of the Knights of Rizal-Italy as well as leaders of the various Filipino communities in Rome.  

In her remarks, Vice Consul Ochoa mentioned how Dr. Rizal may be considered as one of the first overseas Filipinos, having studied and lived in different parts of the world.  As a student, writer, and propagandist, he visited many European countries, including Italy.  

According to some historical accounts, Gat Jose Rizal arrived in Naples on June 11, 1882 on his first trip to Europe. He was able to return to Italy, to Rome, on 27 June 1887 and he was fascinated by the greatness of the "Eternal City." He visited the historic sites of Turin, Milan, Venice and Florence. In his writings, we can read his love for this country, where he said he wanted to stay.

Vice Consul Ochoa thanked the Knights of Rizal for organizing the wreath-laying activities and its continued efforts in partnering with the Embassy in the promotion of Filipino culture and heritage in Italy. END

Ambassador Neal Imperial with Embassy officers and staff offer a flower wreath to the bust of Dr. Jose Rizal 

Vice Consul Ma. Claribel Ochoa delivers a short remark at the Piazzale Manila

For more information, visit https://www.romepe.dfa.gov.ph,  https://www.facebook.com/PHinItaly/ or https://twitter.com/PHinItaly.