16 November 2015 – The Philippine Consulate General in Milan unveiled in an official ceremony the bust of Dr. Jose Rizal at its premises on November 12. Present at the ceremony were Knights of Rizal (KOR) European Regional Commander based in Brussels, Belgium Cesar Alcoba, KOR Commander for Italy Carlos Simbillo, and Kababaihang Rizalista Inc. President Winefreda Crisostomo Corona, which is based in Modena.

KOR European Regional Commander Mr. Alcoba was instrumental in arranging for the bust of the national hero for display at the Philippine Consulate General in Milan. He facilitated the creation of the bust upon the request of Philippine Consul General Marichu Mauro who felt that it was important for the Consulate General to have a solid reminder of the great Rizal at its official premises.

In her speech during the unveiling, Consul General Mauro highlighted the need for our national hero to be represented in every foreign post to remind Filipinos of the ideals represented and promoted by Dr. Jose Rizal.

“Particularly, I hope that this solid reminder of our national hero should inspire and challenge me and my officers and staff here at the Philippine Consulate more than anyone else to follow our national hero’s example”, Consul General Mauro further said in her speech.

In his remarks, Mr. Alcoba, espoused on why bust of great people are created. “A bust should serve as a reminder of an exemplary person’s life and spur us into following their ideals in our own live,” Mr. Alcoba remarked.

KOR Commander for Italy Mr. Simbillo meanwhile issued a challenge to the Consul General to help with facilitating the establishment of Knights of Rizal chapter in Milan.

The evening’s program also included a short video presentation on the life of Rizal courtesy of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. END