ANKARA, 30 December 2022 – The Philippine Embassy in Ankara commemorated the 126th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Philippines’ national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, on 29 December 2022 at the Embassy grounds and consular reception lobby.
Ambassador Maria Elena P. Algabre (front center) with Embassy members, guests from the Filipino community, and Filipino students in Ankara. (Embassy photo)
Ambassador Maria Elena P. Algabre led the afternoon ceremony, with the theme “Rizal: Preserved Memories, Treasured Today by the Nation” (Rizal: Alaalang Iningatan, Yaman, Ngayon ng Bayan). Members of the Philippine Embassy, including the Defense and Armed Forces Attaché, members of the Filipino community, and Filipino students in Ankara joined the event.
Wreath-laying ceremony at the bust of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Philippine National Hero. (Embassy photo)
The commemoration began with a flag raising ceremony and the singing of the Philippine national anthem, followed by a wreath laying at the bust of Dr. Jose Rizal.
Ambassador Algabre delivering welcoming remarks. (Embassy photo)
The program continued in the consular area, where Ambassador Algabre gave a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Rizal’s contribution of inspiring patriotism, not only for the Filipinos, but for all peoples around the world.
Ms. Hannah Joy M. Lico, a Filipino student in Ankara, reciting Dr. Rizal’s poem “Ang Awit ng Biyahero.” (Embassy photo)
Ms. Hannah Joy M. Lico, a Filipino first-year medical student studying at the Hacettepe University in Ankara, recited “Ang Awit ng Biyahero,” national artist Virgilio Almario’s Filipino translation of Dr. Rizal’s poem “El Canto del Viajero.”
The Philippine Embassy team with Filipino students in Ankara. (Embassy photo)
The celebration concluded with a simple salu-salo and fellowship for the guests while viewing the film “Rizal’s Pen,” a 45-minute short film about a young man discovering the importance of Dr. Rizal’s literary works. ##
