23 December 2015 - The Rizal Park Movement of Campbelltown (RPMC), in coordination with the Campbelltown City Council and the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney, organized a tree-planting in honor of Philippine Ambassador to Australia Belen F. Anota at the Rizal Park in Rosemeadow, Campbelltown City, New South Wales (NSW) on December 05.

In their messages on the occasion, RPMC President Rey Manoto and Vice President Max Lopez paid tribute to Ambassador Anota for her contribution to the development of the Rizal Park in Campbelltown City. They cited Ambassador Anota’s significant role in obtaining the donation of the Rizal Statue by Filipino artist, Eduardo Castrillo. The Rizal Statue was unveiled by President Benigno S. Aquino III during his official visit to Australia in October 2012.

Campbelltown City Councillor Paul Lake, representing Campbelltown City Mayor Paul Hawker on the occasion, spoke of the significance of the Rizal Park and the contribution of the Filipino community to the growth and development of Campbelltown City.

Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis acknowledged the long-standing partnership between the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney and the Campbelltown City Council and expressed her appreciation for the Council’s continued support for the activities of the Consulate and the Filipino community.

In her message to the members of the Filipino community and guests present at the event, Ambassador Anota recognized and reiterated her thanks to the Campbelltown City Council and to the Philippine agencies, organizations, groups and individuals who supported the Rizal Monument project in 2012.  She encouraged the members of the Filipino community to continue to support the realization of the Park’s masterplan. END