PRESS RELEASE
PR-002-2018

Philippine Embassy in Riyadh Commemorates the
121^st Anniversary of the Martyrdom of
Dr. Jose P. Rizal

Ambassador Adnan V. Alonto reading the Message of President Rodrigo R. Duterte during the Rizal Day activity at the Philippine Embassy.

(Riyadh, 30 December 2017) The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh held a simple ceremony on the Commemoration of the 121st Anniversary of the Martyrdom of our 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 His Excellency 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.

The officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh together with the other Attached Agencies and the Knights of Rizal - Central Region Chapter gather to commemorate the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

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. Mr. Remigio S. Estialbo, Jr., a member of the Knights of Rizal, read Rizal’s “Mi Ultimo Adios”.

Ambassador Adnan V. Alonto (eighth from right), together with First Secretary and COnsul General Iric C. Arribas (seventh from left) and the members of the Knights of Rizal - Central Region Chapter.

Ambassador Adnan V. 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.

For his inspirational message, Ambassador Adnan V. Alonto underscored that our Muslim brothers had long fought the colonizers of the Philippines even before the time 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.  ¹Dr. 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. (END)

¹King Faisal International Prize, “Dr. Ahmad Domacao Alonto”