5 January 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh held a simple ceremony to commemorate the 118th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal on 30 December 2014.

The event was led by Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ezzedin H. Tago together with the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh.

Second Secretary and Consul Winston Dean S. Almeda gave the opening remarks while Ambassador Tago read the Message of President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III for the celebration of Rizal Day. A wreath laying ceremony was then led by Ambassador Tago and Minister and Consul General Marshall Louis M. Alferez.

In his message, the Ambassador recalled the past celebrations of Rizal Day where activities such as contests were held re-enacting what exactly happened in 30 December 1896 in Bagumbayan. There were also activities where the teachings of Rizal were read to the public to make Filipinos aware of the writings of Rizal during his time. As an ending note, Ambassador Tago encouraged all Filipinos in the Kingdom to go back and read Rizal’s teachings and in their own simple way, commemorate Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom.

In the meantime, Second Secretary Winston Dean Almeda earlier represented the Embassy during the commemoration of Rizal’s martyrdom by the Riyadh Chapter of the Order of the Knights of Rizal held at the Embassy on 26 December 2014.

The Embassy hopes to organize similar informative activities which can benefit the Filipino students in Riyadh in helping them be more aware of the Philippine history and culture.  END