29 December 2023 - The Embassy of the Philippines in Canada, together with the Knightsof Rizal (KOR) Gatineau Chapter, commemorated the 127th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. José P. Rizal at the Embassy Chancery in Ottawa.

The event kicked off with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, followed by thewreath-laying ceremony at the bust of Dr. Rizal led by Ambassador Maria AndrelitaAustria and KOR Chapter Commander Dax Morfe.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Austria highlighted one aspect of Jose Rizal that is most relevant to Filipinos in multicultural Canada, that is, being one of the earliest Filipino migrants. “In the late 19th century, Rizal embarked on a journey that would take him far from his native land. He was an international student, who studied in Europe, immersing himself in various cultures, languages, and academic disciplines. Despite the allure of staying abroad and pursuing a comfortable life, Rizal's heart remained rooted in the Philippines. He understood the struggles and aspirations of his fellow countrymen and believed in the power of education and enlightenment to liberate them from the shackles of ignorance and oppression,” Ambassador Austria emphasized.

Ambassador Austria also cited Rizal’s experience as a temporary foreign worker, working under famous ophthalmologists in France, “where he demonstrated the importance of maintaining one's cultural identity while embracing the diversity of the world. He did not merely assimilate into the foreign societies where he lived but actively participated in the intellectual and social discourse of his time.”

Included in the commemoration was the reading of a short biography of Dr. Rizal by Mr. Richard Fairweather, the reading of Dr. Rizal's “Mi Ultimo Adios” in Spanish by Mr. Sean Brezeau, Mr. Leo Marco Vidal, Mr. Nick Murillo, and Mr. Morfe, and in English by Ms. Denise Ma. Marguerite Morfe and Mr Dylan Mica Morfe. Lastly, Mr. Jun Emil Mendoza gave a rousing rendition of “Bayan Ko”. END