PHILIPPINE EMBASSY TO CANADA AND KNIGHTS OF RIZAL - GATINEAU CHAPTER HONOR

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY  TO CANADA AND KNIGHTS OF RIZAL - GATINEAU CHAPTER HONOR  LEGACY OF DR JOSE  RIZAL AND COMMEMORATE 128TH ANNIVERSARY OF RIZAL'S  MARTYR.

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PR-160-2024
December 27, 2024, Ottawa - The Embassy of the Philippines  to Canada, in partnership with the  Gatineau Knights of Rizal (KOR) Chapter, commemorated the 128th  anniversary of the  martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal  during solemn rites held at the Embassy Chancery on December  27, 2024.
The event  began with  a parade of knights and  a wreath-laying ceremony at the bust of Dr.  Rizal, followed by the  national anthem.
Rizal Day 2024 3
Mr. Julius Abad, Knight Grand Officer of  Rizal and Chapter Commander of  Area 2 of the Eastern Region  of Canada, delivered a welcome  address. In his message, CDA Fischer  emphasized that this year's theme "Rizal sa Bagong Pilipinas: Buhay at Aral, Aming Nilalandas" (Rizal in the New Philippines: Life and  Lessons, as our  guide) invites  us to reflect on how  Rizal's lessons still resonate today.  . His teachings on civic duty, moral integrity, social awareness, and critical thinking remain  essential to combat misinformation and moral confusion in  today's world.
This year's Rizal Day commemoration  is a cornerstone in the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic  relations between the Philippines and Canada, reminding Filipinos in Canada to increase their visibility and active participation in the political, economic, and social  security of the country. CDA Fischer reminded the  guests: "In honor of Rizal, we also renew our commitment to the ideals he  espoused and  follow the same path as Rizal, defined by political and social awareness, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility for the future."

A video clip of Dr. Rizal's final moments  was introduced by KOR member Mr. Sean Brazeau. "Among many revolutionaries, some even question whether he  himself is directly a revolutionary. But regardless of that principle, he understood the importance of a pragmatic engagement with the realities on the ground to achieve the ultimate goal of an enlightened and free people. And at the end of the day,  that is something we have to  look at. As  a Canadian and as  someone who sees the struggles we face  here today, and also the struggles  around the  world, from the West Philippine Sea to the Middle East and far beyond, I think we  need to  demonstrate pragmatism and realism, but also  commitment. . to  our fundamental principles and values.  So, on the 128th  anniversary of Dr.  Rizal's death, I would  like to ask each  of us here  to think  about what we can do to better follow his legacy and his way of doing things,"  said Mr.  Brazeau.
The ceremony continued  with the singing of  the song "Bayan  Ko" in the choir. KOR Chapter Commander Dax Morfe  said in his closing  remarks: "We commemorate the life and ultimate sacrifice of Dr. Jose Rizal. His  intelligent speech was not  only an act of defiance against colonial oppression, but a testament to the profound power of choice. The power  to choose is a gift, a  responsibility, and an opportunity. It is the power to shape our destiny, to create a better future for ourselves and for those who come after us. Just as Rizal chose to fight for freedom, we too must choose to use our voices, our  talents, our actions to build a just and  equal society." Mr. Morfe  added: "Let us be inspired by  Rizal's courage and  dedication to his ideals.  "We choose to live with purpose, make a  difference and leave a legacy that will inspire  generations to  come." »

The event concluded  with a  reception hosted by members of  the KOR Gatineau  chapter. END