PH Embassy in The Hague Inaugurates Bust Monument of Dr. Jose Rizal

Inauguration of the Bust Monument of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal Courtyard of the Philippine Embassy Chancery in The Hague. (The Hague PE photo)

THE HAGUE 07 JULY 2023 – The bust monument in the Netherlands of the Philippines’ national hero, Jose Rizal, was unveiled at the Philippine Embassy grounds in The Hague on 04 July during a ceremony attended by the Knights of Rizal’s Supreme Commander Sir Gerardo V. Calderon, Knight Grand Cross of Rizal (KGCR), as guest of honor. He was joined in the unveiling ceremony by Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya and Mme. Rena Cristina K. Malaya, M.D.

In his remarks, Mr. Calderon commended the Embassy for its remarkable initiative in honoring Rizal through its monument project, in cooperation with the Knight of Rizal (KOR) The Hague Chapter. “This bust will serve as a lasting reminder of Rizal’s works, teachings and sacrifices that will hopefully influence and inspire Filipinos and our Dutch friends in this part of Europe,” he said.

Ambassador Malaya underscored the occasion’s significance in helping spread the heroic identity and proud heritage of the Philippine people and cited the connections of Rizal with The Netherlands. “It is fitting that Rizal finds a home in The Netherlands as there are special connections between him and our host country. Though he did not set foot in Dutch soil during his many travels across Europe, Rizal had an affinity and admiration for the renowned Dutch writer Edward Douwes Dekker (pen-name Multatuli) whose novel Max Havelaar made a deep impression on him, when he was writing the novel El Filibusterismo. They had similar views on the harsh realities of colonialism and wanted to expose them – Dekker on the Dutch in the East Indies (now Indonesia), Rizal on the Spaniards in the Philippines,” Malaya said.

The Rizal Bust was donated by the KOR-The Hague Chapter, led by its Chapter Commander, Sir Anton Lutter, KCR. Mr. Lutter said that their donation is a “simple way of giving thanks to the Philippine Embassy for providing the Knights of Rizal collaborative opportunities in pursuit of the Order’s mission.” Together with Sir Steef Klarenbeek, KCR, Mr. Lutter made the arrangements for the sculpting of the bust by an artist in Angeles, Pampanga, and for its transport to the Netherlands.

Also witnessing the ceremony were Sir Felino Paras, KGCR (Europe Regional Commander), members of the Manila-based Supreme Council, various Knights of Rizal (KOR) Chapters in Belgium and the Netherlands, including KOR chapters in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht. 

Supreme Commander Calderon was accompanied by Sir Virgilio R. Esguerra, KGCR (Council of Elders), Sir Remigio Esguerra, KCR (Taytay, Rizal Chapter Commander), Sir Atty. Joel Tuplano, KGOR (Executive Assistant to the Supreme Commander), Sir Flavio Caringal, KCR (Chapter Commander), Sir Jose Gardose Jr., KCR, Sir Joseph Gardoce, and other Ladies of Rizal who flew from Manila. The recently constituted Ladies of Rizal – The Netherlands led by Lady Irene Esquibil were also in attendance.

The delegation from the Philippines was in Europe for the Knights of Rizal’s 8th European Regional Assembly and the 72nd Charter Day celebration of the Knights of Rizal which was earlier held in Rome, Italy.

The Order of the Knights of Rizal is a civic and patriotic organization established by Republic Act No. 646 as an instrumentality by which the teachings of Rizal may be propagated among the Filipino people and others who may believe in his teachings and may emulate and follow his examples. END

Knights of Rizal’s Supreme Commander Sir Gerardo V. Calderon delivers his remarks in the inauguration. (The Hague PE photo)

Members of the Manila-based Supreme Council, various Knights of Rizal (KOR) Chapters in Belgium and the Netherlands, including KOR chapters in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht attend the unveiling of the monument at the Embassy grounds. (The Hague PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.thehaguepe.dfa.gov.ph or  https://www.facebook.com/PHinTheNetherlands/.