19 July 2016 - A commemoration of the 155th Birthday Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal was co-organized by the Philippine Consulate General New York and the Knights of Rizal New York Chapter (KOR-NY) on June 22 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center with a program paying tribute to Dr. Rizal’s life and works. A separate flower offering before the bust of Jose Rizal was held on his birthday on Sunday, June 19 at the same venue.
The program began with the knighting of eight new members. The newly installed KOR-NY Chapter, Sir Michael Dadap, and Deputy Chapter Commander, Sir Jhett Tolentino, shared with the community the vision and program of work of the KOR NY Team 2016-2018. The Ladies for Rizal present expressed support for the forthcoming projects by KOR-NY.
Highlighting the event was a donation handed by KOR-NY to the Executive Director of the Philippine Jesuit Foundation on behalf of the Ateneo University for projects that aim to propagate the teachings and ideals of Jose Rizal in the University through the creation of a website about the national hero.
In his remarks, the Consul General applauded the KOR-NY on their initiative to give back to the Philippines, and reminded his Brother Knights of their responsibility as stewards of their country and as sworn brethren of the National Hero. He urged the Knights to drive our kababayans to create a critical mass that can substantially propel our country farther and realize an inclusive progress for our nation.
The program was capped by the community singing of “Ang Bayan Ko” led by tenor and new knighted Sir Jun Penaverde.
The Consul General also attended the special event organized by KOR-USA Council led by the Regional Commander, Sir Francis D. Sison, on June 19. During that event, the Consul General received the Special Citation given by the KOR Supreme Commander, Sir Jeremias Singson, for his unparalleled support for the grand purposes of KOR since 2011. The Consul General has the rank of a Knight Grand Officer of Rizal (KGOR). According to Regional Commander, Sir Francis D. Sison, KOR Chapters in the US Northeast comprise more than half of the 400 Knights in the whole United States. END
