24 June 2014 - The Philippine Consulate General in Manado, together with high officials, businessmen, the Filipino community and friends commemorated the 153rd Birth Anniversary of the Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal at the Rizal monument in Bitung City, North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, on June 19. The event was attended by high officials from the Bitung City Government, the officers and staff of the Consulate General and members of the Filipino community.
In his speech, Philippine Consul General Jose D.R. Burgos addressed to the Filipino community, recalling the life and works of Rizal and his significance as the “Pride of the Malay Race” and the historical impact of his works, in particular his “Mi Ultimo Adios” which was translated into Bahasa Indonesia and helped inspire the Indonesian revolution. This was followed by a speech from the Vice-Mayor of Bitung City, Maximilian Lomban, who expressed the desire for continued cooperation and improved regional interconnectivity between Southern Philippines and North Sulawesi, in particular between Davao and General Santos Cities and Bitung City. A wreath-laying ceremony and refreshments followed. END