Rizal Bust Unveiled in Cambodia
Left photo: Ambassador to Cambodia Christopher B. Montero (second from left) together with former Ambassador of Cambodia to the Philippines Tuot Panha (rightmost), Secretary of State of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts Sam Sokun (second from right), and Secretary of State at the Office of the Council of Ministers Rong Chhorng (leftmost) unveil the half-size bust of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Philippine Embassy grounds in Phnom Penh. (Photo courtesy of Khmer Times)
PHNOM PENH 31 December 2018 — Marking the commemoration of the 122nd anniversary of his martyrdom, a half-size bust of Dr. Jose Rizal was formally unveiled at the Philippine Embassy grounds in Phnom Penh on 28 December 2018,
In his remarks, Ambassador to Cambodia Christopher B. Montero noted the reverence accorded by Filipinos to Dr. Rizal, in the same vein that Cambodians adore the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk.
"Dr. Rizal's bust serves to memorialize the ideals and aspirations that he sought to achieve for his people—not only of his generation but for all future generations of Filipinos, and for which we all must continue to realize and fulfill," Ambassador Montero said.
Ambassador Montero was joined by Secretary of State of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts Som Sokum, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and former Cambodian Ambassador to the Philippines Tout Panha, and Secretary of State at the Office of the Council of Ministers Rong Chhorng in unveiling the bust.
Also in attendance were members of the Filipino community, the Philippine Business Network, and the Cambodia Philippines Alumni Network.
After the unveiling, a screening was held for “Jose Rizal: Sa Landas ng Paglaya” (Jose Rizal: On the Path to Freedom), a documentary produced by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
Made of cold cast bronze, the half-bust was provided by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Philippines as part of its support for Sentro Rizal around the world. The Sentro Rizal of Phnom Penh was established in June 2015 and serves as a platform where Filipinos in Cambodia can re-connect with their Philippine cultural and artistic heritage. END
For more information, visit www.phnompenhpe.dfa.gov.ph or @PhilippineIn on Twitter
Ambassador to Cambodia Christopher B. Montero delivers his remarks to the audience prior to the unveiling of the bust. (Photo courtesy of Khmer Times)
Left photo: Members of the Filipino community at the reception held after the unveiling of the bust.
Right photo: Ambassador Montero (third from left) is joined by Professor Mel Sophanna of the Sociology Department of the Royal University of Phnom Penh, Professor Hul Sengheng of the Institute of Technology of Cambodia, CYSPharma Managing Director Sophon Sim and Adviser in the Council of Ministers Rong Chhorng. (Phnom Penh PE photo)
Left photo: Guests watch the documentary “Jose Rizal: Sa Landas ng Paglaya.”
Right photo: Philippine Embassy officers and staff pose with the bust of Dr. Rizal for posterity. (Phnom Penh PE photo)