Phl Consulate Leads Commemoration of 117th Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal’s Martyrdom in New South W
Thursday, 09 January 2014 12:33 - Last Updated Thursday, 09 January 2014 12:42
The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney led members of the Filipino community in New
South Wales in commemorating the 117th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal in
cooperation with the Rizal Park Movement of Campbelltown (RPMC) and the Order of the
Knights of Rizal (OKOR), Sydney Chapter.
On December 29, 2013, Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis and Campbelltown City Mayor
Clinton Mead led Filipino community leaders and members in a wreath-laying ceremony at the
Statue of Dr. Jose Rizal in Rizal Park, Rosemeadow, Campbelltown City after a program that
included a lecture on Rizal’s impact on the Philippine Revolution and a performance of one of
Rizal’s musical compositions.
RPMC President Rey Manoto delivered the welcome remarks which were followed by a song
composed by Dr. Jose Rizal, entitled, “Alinmang Lahi” rendered by Ms. Rachel Zarate of the
Sydney Sonata Singers. Dr. Floro Quibuyen talked about the connection between Rizal and
Bonifacio, focusing on the idea that guided by Rizal’s vision, Bonifacio spearheaded the
Revolution against Spain. OKOR Regional Commander for Australia, New Zealand and
Oceania Philip Rañoso spoke of how efforts to help those affected by Typhoon Yolanda would
have pleased Rizal who exhorted that Filipinos help one another.
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Phl Consulate Leads Commemoration of 117th Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal’s Martyrdom in New South W
Thursday, 09 January 2014 12:33 - Last Updated Thursday, 09 January 2014 12:42
In his speech, Mayor Mead noted that the Rizal Park in Campbelltown serves as a reminder to
Australians about the value of freedom and that it should never be taken for granted. He also
said that Rizal’s sacrifice to gain independence for the Philippines should always be honored
and remembered.
In her message at the ceremony, Consul General Louis acknowledged the contributions of the
Campbelltown City Council and several organizations and individuals in realizing the Rizal Park
project. She also took the opportunity to thank Mayor Mead for the Campbelltown City Council’s
donation of AUD20,000.00 to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. She looked forward to working
with the Council and the Filipino community on completing the masterplan for the park. Mrs. Lourdes Kaiser, President of the Campbelltown Regional Filipino Community Council
(CRFCC), gave the closing remarks for the ceremony which was followed by a fellowship lunch
at the park.
Two other activities were held in New South Wales in commemoration of the 117th anniversary
of Rizal's martyrdom.
On December 30, 2013, Consulate staff led by Administrative Officer Jose Jacinto Morales,
Protocol Officer Russell Villegas and Property Officer Jessie Llaneta laid flowers before the bust
of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Ibero-American Plaza near the Central Station in Sydney.
Later that day, the aforementioned Consulate staff members were joined by Consular Assistant
Regina Queenie Perol, Finance Officer Veronidia Morales, and their family members during the
wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal statue in Ashfield Park in Ashfield. The ceremony was
organized by the Order of the Knights of Rizal (OKOR)-Sydney Chapter. OKOR-Sydney
Chapter Commander Cesar Bartolome thanked the Consulate staff for bringing their family
members to the ceremony, particularly their children, citing the importance of the youth in
keeping the memory of Rizal alive among the members of the Filipino migrant community.
The statue of Rizal in Ashfield Park celebrated its 25th year in 2013 while the bust of Rizal at
the Ibero-American Plaza will celebrate its 25th year in 2014. END
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