5 January 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya commemorated the 118th death anniversary and martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal on 28 December 2014.

With the participation of the Filipino community in Kenya, the celebration began with a flag-raising ceremony and the singing of the Philippine national anthem. Chargé d’ Affaires Donna Celeste Feliciano-Gatmaytan welcomed the Filipino community and guests on behalf of Philippine Ambassador to Kenya Bayani V. Mangibin. In her opening remarks, she informed the audience of the importance of the event, which would be made more meaningful with the unveiling of the first ever statue of Dr. Jose Rizal in Kenya.

The President of the Filipino community in Nairobi, Mr. Romeo Dela Cruz, paid tribute to Dr. Jose P. Rizal and underscored in his speech the ideals that Dr. Rizal stood for as the Philippines' foremost nationalist, patriot and advocate for reforms through peaceful means during the Spanish colonial period.

The highlight of the commemoration was the unveiling of the bust of Dr. Jose Rizal donated by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). After 35 years of using only photographs of Dr. Jose Rizal in its yearly commemoration of Rizal Day, the Embassy has finally unveiled its very first statue of the national hero in a ceremony led by Chargé d’ Affaires Gatmaytan together with Filipino community President Romeo Dela Cruz.  Vice Consul Francis Maynard S. Maleon laid the wreath together with Filipino community Nairobi officer, Mrs. Eugenia De Guzman.

The officers and staff of the Embassy recited Dr. Rizal’s “Ang Huling Paalam” (Mi Ultimo Adios) and the youth from the audience were invited to participate in “Salawikain” and some learning activities about Rizal.

The celebration culminated with fellowship and a traditional Filipino breakfast.  END