22 June 2012 - The Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Knights of Rizal held a simple commemorative program marking the 151st Birth Anniversary of Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal.
The ceremony took place on June 19 at the Lobby Gallery of the Philippine Center in New York.
The event started off with a floral offering by Philippine Consul General to New York Mario L. de Leon, Jr., Deputy Consul General Tess Dizon-de Vega, and members of the Knights of Rizal-New York Chapter before the bust of Dr. Rizal located at the Philippine Center.
In his welcome remarks, Consul General de Leon noted that Rizal's legacy and his life continues to be relevant to the present generation of Filipinos. He noted that all Filipinos should re-acquaint themselves with the writings, works and philosophy of Rizal as we all continue to work towards sustainable progress in the Philippines.
The program included brief reflections on various aspects of Rizal's life and works by Sir Roger Alama of the Knights of Rizal-NY Chapter who spoke on the many revolutionary ideas of Rizal and his nationalism.
Deputy Consul General Tess Dizon-de Vega spoke about Rizal's famous "Letter to the Young Women of Malolos" written in 1889 where he exhorted Filipina women to educate themselves and strive to carve their own identity instead of remaining subservient to outmoded ideas.
Representing the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York, Minister Eduardo de Vega, himself a Knight Commander of the Knights of Rizal offered some views on Rizal's uncanny predictions as to the Philippines' future direction and his groundbreaking ideas on urban planning, environmentalism and how he truly embodied the "First Filipino".
The evening ended with a community singing of "Bayan Ko" led by Sir Rene Ballenas and Sir Dean Suba. Sir Jose Ramos served as Master of Ceremonies and overall coordinator for the event.
