RIYADH — The Philippine Embassy here held a simple ceremony on the commemoration of the 121st Anniversary of the Martyrdom of National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

The theme for this year’s commemoration is: “Rizal 2017: Mabuting Kaisipan, Susi sa Kaunlaran”. The ceremony was led by Ambassador Adnan V. Alonto together with the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Philippine Overseas Labor Offices in Riyadh and Jeddah, other attached agencies and members of the Knights of Rizal — Central Region Chapter.

First Secretary and Consul Christopher Patrick T. Aro gave the opening remarks while Ambassador Alonto led the Wreath Laying Ceremony together with First Secretary and Consul General Iric C. Arribas and the members of the Knights of Rizal — Central Region Chapter. Remigio S. Estialbo, Jr., a member of the Knights of Rizal, read Rizal’s “Mi Ultimo Adios”.

Alonto read the message of the president for Rizal Day. In his message, President Rodrigo R. Duterte urged the Filipino people to emulate Rizal’s patriotism and to remember his ultimate sacrifice for the sake of our country.

In his inspirational message, Ambassador Alonto underscored that our Muslim brothers had long fought the colonizers of the Philippines even before the time of Dr. Jose P. Rizal. He also said that his father, Dr. Ahmad Domacao Alonto, who is considered one of the world’s greatest Islamic leaders of the 20th century, has translated Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s “Mi Ultimo Adios” in Maranao.

Dr. Alonto has received many prestigious awards, including the King Faisal International Prize for Service to Islam, because of his various works in explaining the fundamental principles of Islam and promoting its values to the Filipino people. — SG