08 March 2016 - As part of the Philippine Embassy’s aim to further increase awareness of Philippine culture and heritage in Saudi Arabia, Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ezzedin H. Tago visited the King Fahad National Library on March 07 and donated various Philippine published books to the library.

Ambassador Tago met with the Library Manager, Mr. Mohammed Al-Rashid, to formally endorse the books, among which are the Spanish versions of Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo.” Most of the books donated were published by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

After the short turn-over ceremony, Mr. Al-Rashid gave Ambassador Tago a tour of the library and showed him the various collection of books housed inside the building. Mr. Al-Rashid also showed the Ambassador a 1,200-year old copy of the Qu’ran displayed in the lobby of the library as well as a collection of old coins and paper money which was previously circulated in the Kingdom.

It is hoped that more books will be donated in the future to the library to complete its Filipiniana section and enable a deeper the understanding of the rich and diverse culture and heritage of the Philippines not only by Saudi citizens but other nationalities as well.  END