DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 
P R E S S  R E L E A S E
www.dfa.gov.ph                                                                             2330 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, Philippines                                                                        Tel. No. 834-4000 
SFA-AGR-483-07                                                                                                                                                       25 June 2007

Rizal Marker Unveiled in Brussels , Belgium  

Ambassador Ortega (right) unveils the historical marker of Dr. Jose P. Rizal assisted by Ambassador Christiaan Tanghe (left) of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former Ambassador to the Philippines.  The National Hero stayed at no. 42 rue Philippe de Champagne, Brussels , from 28 March 1890 to 23 July 1891.  In his brief stay in Brussels , he devoted his time editing one of his famous novels, “El Filibusterismo.”

19 June 2007, Brussels – Philippine Ambassador to Belgium Cristina G. Ortega reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Embassy spearheaded a ceremony unveiling the historical marker of Dr. Jose P. Rizal in Brussels on 19 June 2007.  

The ceremony commenced at 6:00 p.m. with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem led by Sir Cesar Alcoba, Knights of Rizal (KOR) Area Commander for Belgium , and an invocation by Sir Rudy Nollas, KOR Brussels Chapter Commander.  

Ambassador Christiaan Tanghe of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former Ambassador to the Philippines assisted Ambassador Ortega in the unveiling of the marker and delivered a speech on behalf of the Belgian government.  Former Senator Paul Hatry, himself a KOR based in Brussels , also graced the occasion.  

“I am very happy that finally we were able to install a Rizal marker in Brussels .  The unveiling of the marker in Brussels served as another momentous occasion for all of us Filipinos here in Europe ,” Ambassador Ortega remarked.  

In her speech, the Philippine Ambassador said that Rizal’s values and teachings are so universal and timeless that they still inspire people to come together and celebrate a life that has become a great idea.  

Ambassador Ortega then led the floral offering in front of the marker. The four chapters of the Order of the Knights of Rizal, namely the Brussels , Diamond, El Filibusterismo and Lions Chapters and the Kababaihang Rizalistas joined her in the offering.  

A short tribute on the life of Rizal highlighting his acts of heroism, delivered by Sir Lino Paras, KOR Regional Commander for Europe, added significance to the ceremony.  

Rizal lived in a boarding house located at no. 42 rue Philippe de Champagne, Brussels , from 28 March 1890 to 23 July 1891.  In his brief stay in Brussels , he devoted his time editing one of his famous novels, “El Filibusterismo.” He also wrote some of his literary works, to include among others “The Indolence of the Filipinos,” which he contributed to “La Solidaridad.”  

A reception was held at the Embassy following the ceremony.  

This project was made possible with the support of the Philippine National Historical Institute and the Order of the Knights of Rizal in Belgium .  Around 150 Filipinos and foreigners witnessed the ceremony, some of them coming all the way from Ireland and Germany . END

/jay

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