The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi together with the POLO-OWWA, in cooperation with the Knights of Rizal – Emarat Abu Dhabi Chapter commemorated the 122nd Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal at the Embassy grounds today, December 30, 2018, together with Filipino schools, and community leaders.
Ambassador Hjayceelyn Quintana led the celebrations and said that it is through living and upholding the values of tolerance and mutual respect that Filipinos can show to the world that they can live in harmony with everyone. “Hindi kailangang maging martyr kung lahat tayo ay mayroong sinisabinig spirit of tolerance and spirit of mutual respect. It takes a lot to be steadfast, to hold on to someone’s beliefs without having to die. So as we usher in the new year, we all know that next year will be the year of Tolerance for the United Arab Emirates, and that’s the significance of the word ‘tolerance’ – we should always remember to be tolerant of each other and to be mutually respectful so that we can get harmony in living side by side with each other,” said Quintana.
During the short program, Quintana also announced that a resource center named “Centro Rizal” will be launched at the Philippine Embassy in two months’ time, following the finalization of the Memorandum of Understanding from the National Commission on Culture and the Arts. “Centro Rizal will be a resource center where the writings of Dr. Jose Rizal will be displayed so that students like you can come over and can read up and there could be symposiums,” shared Quintana.
The Knights of Rizal – Emarat Abu Dhabi Chapter also recited the Rizalian Code of Ethics, the Rizalian Oath, and the Pledge of the Flag to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal.
The program culminated with the everyone in attendance singing “Ako Ay Pilipino” led by Lady Emma Wenceslao.
