04 September 2014 - The Order of the Knights of Rizal has bestowed the Women of Malolos award upon Madame Brigitte van Ypersele (née de Bus de Warnaffe) during their nation-wide assembly held on August 23 in Brussels, Belgium.

Leading the ceremony was Mr. Jeremias C. Singson, Supreme Commander of the Knights of Rizal, who lauded Madame Brigitte’s truly inspiring and steadfast humanitarian work that highlighted the spirit of the Women of Malolos Award towards public service.

Minister Lolit Capco, on behalf of the Philippine Embassy, extended her congratulations and appreciation for Madam Brigitte’s tireless efforts in promoting education among young women in the Visayas and equipping these young scholars with education that will be the foundation for their future as well as the confidence and determination to reach for their aspirations for a purposeful life.

Madame Brigitte, in her remarks, conveyed the joy and sense of fulfillment she found in her Philippine work  and her gratitude to her Philippine team of about 30 hardworking Filipinos led by Dr. and Mrs. Palami in overseeing multiple projects benefiting Filipino women and children in need for the past 30 years. She is married to Compte Jacques van Ypersele de Strihou, who has served as the Principal Private Secretary of the King of the Belgians from 1983 to 2013, and who was present in the ceremony along with their children and grandchildren. She thanked the Knights of Rizal in Belgium for their recognition of her humanitarian work and conveyed her appreciation for the support of the KOR and its counterpart women organizations, the Kababaihan Rizalista, the Las Damas Rizal, and the Ladies of the KOR.

The Women of Malolos award is the highest honor awarded by the Knights of Rizal to a woman of exceptional achievement that has exemplified the ideals of Rizal. It is given once a year. The previous recipient was Mme. Brigitte Ayrault, wife of Jean Marc Ayrault, former Prime Minister of France. END