13 January 2015 - The Filipino community leaders, members and media in New South Wales (NSW) joined the Philippine Consulate General officers and staff during the flag- and wreath-laying ceremonies to commemorate the 118th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal at the Rizal Monument, Rizal Park in Campbelltown City, NSW, Australia on December 28, 2014. The event was organized by the Consulate General in partnership with the Rizal Park Movement of Campbelltown (RPMC) and the Order of the Knights of Rizal (OKOR).
The Australian officials present inlcuded Laurie Ferguson, Federal Member of Parliament for Werriwa; Campbelltown City Councillor Anoulack Chanthivong, who represented Campbelltown City Mayor Paul Lake; and Camden Councillor Greg Warren.
In his message on behalf of Mayor Lake, Councillor Chanthivong noted the partnership of the Campbelltown City Council with the Philippine Government and the Filipino community which gave rise to the Rizal Park at Rosemeadow, Campbelltown City, and subsequently, the Rizal Monument which was unveiled by President Benigno S. Aquino III during his visit to Australia in October 2012. The bronze statue of Rizal was created and donated by Filipino artist and sculptor Eduardo Castrillo.
Philippine Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis thanked the Australian officials and the members of the Filipino community and media for their participation and support for the annual commemorative rites. She also acknowledged the significant contributions made by the benefactors and sponsors of the Rizal Monument and the efforts made by a group of Australians and Filipinos who lobbied the Campbelltown City Council to allocate the land for the Rizal Park in 1988. In this regard, she encouraged all members of the Filipino community to utilize the Park and to work together in preserving, sustaining and improving the facilities of the Park.
During the program, Ms. Tiara Nyuzo led the singing of the Philippine and Australian anthems and rendered a moving version of the song, “Bayan Ko”. Mr. Angel Raña, OKOR Regional Commander for Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, shared his work on the legacy of Rizal and the inspiration that the Philippine national hero provides to the Filipino-Australian youth. RPMC President Rey Manoto, Founding President Lourdes Kaiser delivered the welcome and closing Remarks, respectively.
On December 30, 2014, Philippine Consulate General in Sydney staff members laid flowers at the bust of Dr. Rizal located at the Ibero-American Plaza near the Central Station in Sydney CBD. In the afternoon, Administrative Officer Jose Jacinto Morales led staff members of the Consulate General and their families in participating in the wreath-laying ceremony at the Statue of Dr. Rizal at Ashfield Park in Ashfield, NSW, organized by the OKOR-Sydney Chapter. END