30 December 2023 -  The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon commemorated the 127th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal at the Embassy’s new chancery.

 Philippine Embassy commemorates the martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal in a wreath-laying ceremony

The program started with a flag-raising ceremony followed by a message delivered by H.E. Raymond R. Balatbat, Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon. In his message, the Ambassador recognized the role of Rizal in inspiring the leaders of the Philippine Revolution to take up arms against the Spanish colonial government. Touching on the theme, the Ambassador cited Dr. Jose Rizal’s ideas that still resonate today, such as inculcating patriotism among the youth, the necessity of implementing reforms to address societal ills, and the importance of education to broaden intellectual horizons that strengthens nation-building. These ideas remain relevant to Filipinos of today, especially those in government service, to work on achieving peaceful change to improve the welfare of every Filipino as the inheritors of Dr. Rizal’s legacy.

H.E. Raymond R. Balatbat delivers his message and leads in the wreath-laying ceremony.

Ambassador Balatbat also led the wreath-laying ceremony at the bust of Dr. Jose Rizal in the Philippine Embassy. A Filipino-Lebanese youth and a Filipino migrant worker were invited to read Rizal’s literary works, “To the Child Jesus” and “Ang Liham ni Dr. Jose Rizal Sa Mga Kadalagahan ng Malolos.”

Filipino-Lebanese youth, a Filipino worker, and an Embassy personnel read some of Dr. Jose Rizal’s literary works.

 Officials and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon and Filipino community members commemorate Dr. Jose Rizal’s legacy in changing Philippine society.

With the theme, “Rizal: Foundation of the Past, Living Today,” Dr. Rizal cited the important values for the Filipinos to reflect upon and to continue the lessons learned from his life.

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