04 January 2016 – The life and works of Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal were commemorated in a simple ceremony at 3 Rue du Rhone, Geneva, led by the officers and staff of the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations and Other International Organizations/Philippine Consulate General in Geneva.
The site, 3 Rue du Rhone, on the Left Bank of the River Rhone at the mouth of Lake Geneva, once served as a pension house where Dr. Rizal stayed during a brief visit to Geneva from 06 to 21 June 1887, spending his 26th birthday in the city.
Two historic markers now adorn the façade of 3 Rue du Rhone, one installed by the Philippine National Historic Institute, and the other by the City of Geneva, to note its significance, having once hosted the Philippine National Hero.
To commemorate the 119th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, flowers were offered at the base of the markers. The Philippine Mission was joined by Philippine Ambassador Grace Princesa who was former Consul General in Geneva as well as some members of the Filipino community. A special screening of internationally acclaimed film Jose Rizal by Director Marilou Diaz Abaya (1998) followed at the Mission.
In her brief remarks, Charge d’ Affaires Elena Maningat highlighted the impact on Dr. Rizal of his travels across post-enlightenment Europe, where his studies as a physician and his literary craft flourished. “Dr. Rizal’s writings were no doubt influenced by what he saw and experienced in his journeys across an enlightened Europe, including his stop in this City which was home to Voltaire and Rousseau. His books awakened the consciousness of the Filipino people to the corruptions and degradations under colonial rule. His martyrdom on 30 December 1896, an example of bravery in the face of oppression, sparked the revolution that led to the birth of the First Republic in Asia. Today our struggle to dignify the lives of our countrymen at home and abroad continues. We remain inspired by the service and sacrifice of our heroes, most particularly Dr. Rizal, who showed us all how powerful the ideas of freedom and dignity can be.” END