Dr. Jose Rizal martyrdom celebrated

RIYADH — The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh held a simple ceremony in celebration of the 119th Anniversary of the martyrdom of its national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. The celebration was held at the Liwasang Bonifacio Grounds at the Philippine Embassy premises and was also attended by members of the Order of the Knights of Rizal – Central Region Chapter (OKOR-CRC) and representatives from the Philippine Curriculum Schools in Riyadh. During the program, First Secretary and Consul Christopher Patrick T. Aro gave the opening remarks while Ambassador Ezzedin H. Tago read the message of President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino for the celebration. Some of Rizal’s poems were also recited during the program. Assistant Labor Attache Dominador Salanga recited the “Himno Al Trabaho” wherein Rizal wrote about the industriousness of the people of Lipa, Batangas, and that the youth must follow the footsteps of their hardworking elders for them to be worthy of praises given to them. On the other hand, Attache Eujames A. Acopan recited “Kundiman” which was a love letter written by Rizal for his motherland, the Philippines. A wreath laying ceremony followed and was led by Ambassador Tago and First Secretary and Consul General Iric C. Arribas. In his short inspirational speech, Ambassador Tago reminded all Filipinos in the Kingdom that the best way to commemorate Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom is to read Rizal’ s teaching and apply it in their daily lives. Ambassador Tago also attended two events organized by the Knights of Rizal, Riyadh Chapter and Eastern Province Chapter, on Jan 1 and 2 respectively.