28 January 2014 – The Philippine Embassy in Hanoi commemorated the 117th Death Anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal at the Embassy Chancery’s Rizal Hall on 27 December 2013.
Embassy personnel, led by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Dean Jason N. Arriola, then Charge d’Affaires (CDA), ad interim, participated in the event, which featured the singing of the National Anthem, reading of written works of Dr. Rizal, and a floral offering to the bust of Dr. Rizal.
In his brief remarks, Mr. Arriola emphasized the value of Dr. Rizal’s commitment to social reform and to promoting the emergence of the Filipino nation in relation to the daily lives of present-day Filipinos.
“Dr. Rizal was instrumental in helping our forefathers see themselves as members of the Filipino nation. At present, his legacy reminds us that we can do great things that benefit the whole of society if we sincerely embrace our identity and constantly work at improving ourselves for the benefit of others.” Mr. Arriola said.
Mr. Arriola encouraged those in attendance to draw inspiration from Dr. Rizal’s legacy to exert greater effort in promoting the welfare of fellow Filipinos, especially for the benefit of communities in the Philippines that have been devastated by the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in November 2013.
Following the remarks, Embassy personnel read excerpts from some of Dr. Rizal’s written works such as “Sa Aking Mga Kabata”, “Ang Awit ni Maria Clara” (taken from the novel “Noli Me Tangere”) and the Filipino translation of “Mi Ultimo Adios.” To mark the end of the event, Mr. Arriola led the floral offering to the Rizal bust.
After the event, simple refreshments were offered to Embassy personnel. END