21 June 2012 - The Philippine Embassy in Madrid, led by Ambassador Carlos C. Salinas, attended the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument located in Avenida Islas Filipinas in Madrid, in observance of the 151st anniversary of the birth of Dr. Jose Rizal last June 17.
The ceremony was organized by the Knights of Rizal Madrid Chapter (KRMC).
In addition to the reading of Rizal's last poem - Mi Ultimo Adios - Ambassador Salinas, Senator Edgardo J. Angara, and Mr. Federico Sanchez Aguilar, newly-elected Commander of the KRMC, all gave brief remarks.
In his first speech as KRMC Commander, Mr. Sanchez highlighted the key events in the life of Rizal and noted that even so many years after his death Rizal remains a key figure in Philippines-Spain relations.
He expressed hope that his tenure as KRMC Commander will bring about strengthened relations between the Philippines and Spain.
Senator Angara mentioned how the Propaganda Movement began with some of the reforms instituted because of the Cadiz Constitution of 1812.
Said Constitution planted the ideas of equality, freedom, and self-governance among the men of that generation including Rizal and his Ilustrado contemporaries.
He stressed the role of the youth in nation-building and how they should all strive to be exemplary citizens like Rizal.
Ambassador Salinas closed the ceremony with a short message outlining the Rizal-related activities of the Embassy for the past year, including an exhibit on the life of Rizal at the Metro Islas Filipinas, film showings, symposia, among others.
He mentioned that "...the Rizal monument and the Islas Filipinas Metro Stations are located on Avenida de Filipinas indeed a reflection of the high regard with which Spanish citizens hold their Filipinos brothers...I would like to think of it as a firm handshake and warm embrace but only more concrete, more tangible and certainly more lasting."