PHL Embassy in Berne Commemorates the 156th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal in Schaffhausen
Schaffhausen City Mayor Peter Neukomm and Ambassador Joselito Jimeno during the wreath-laying ceremony
22 June 2017 – Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland Joselito Jimeno led the wreath-laying ceremony at a marker in Hotel Müller in Schaffhausen where the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, stayed from June 02 to 03, 1887. Ambassador Jimeno was joined by Schaffhausen Mayor, Hon. Peter Neukomm, and other Schaffhausen officials during the ceremony. The wreath-laying ceremony was part of the Embassy’s activities in commemoration of the 156th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal.
Ambassador Jimeno noted that Schaffhausen has a special place in the hearts of Filipinos in Switzerland since it was the first city that Dr. Rizal visited in the country. Ambassador Jimeno also highlighted the long-standing relations between the Philippines and Switzerland which dates back to the 1800s when Swiss traders first ventured to the Philippines.
Prior to the wreath-laying ceremony, Mayor Neukomm acknowledged the bond between the Philippines and Switzerland, and the important role Schaffhausen played in Rizal’s life. He thanked the Ambassador and the Embassy delegation for the visit, and expressed the Schaffhausen’s interest in the continuing the city’s engagements with the Embassy. The Mayor was joined by Mr. Stefan Marti, President of the City Parliament; Mr. Christian Schneider, Secretary of the City Council; Mr. Christian Ritzmann, Secretary of the Cantonal Government; Mr. Stefan Sigrist, Assistant to the Mayor; and Mr. Peter Scheck, Chief Archivist.
At present, Switzerland is home to about 12,000 Filipinos. This year marks 60 years of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.
For more information, visit www.bernepe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHembassyBerne. END
Courtesy Meeting with the Mayor and officials of the City of Schaffhausen