30 December 2015 - On the occasion of the 119th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. José Rizal, the Philippine Embassy led the observance of Rizal Day on 30 December 2015 at its chancery in Ottawa.

In his welcome remarks, Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Uriel Norman R. Garibay reflected on this year's Rizal Day theme, Dangal ng Pilipino, Gabay sa Pagbabago. CDA Garibay pointed to the national hero's martyrdom as a defining moment in the Philippine history which propelled the Filipino nation towards eventual independence and freedom. He called upon civil servants to carry forward the struggle of our revolutionary heroes to attain genuine democracy and prosperity by applying themselves to public service. Recalling Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. Del Rosario's fundamental directive to the men and women of the Department of Foreign Affairs, he exhorted Philippine Embassy personnel to bring their full talent and brainpower to bear on their responsibilities and to reach beyond their grasp. In the vernacular, he said "Kailangan natin na laging gunitain ang mga ginawa ni Dr. Rizal at ang mga sakripisyo ng ating mga bayani, sapagka't mayroon kabayanihan sa bawa't isa sa atin." (We need to always call to mind the deeds of Dr. Rizal and the sacrifices of our heroes because there is heroism in each of us.)

Mr. Garibay ended his remarks with the message of President Benigno S. Aquino on the occasion of Rizal Day.

In keeping with tradition, the commemorative program proceeded with a wreath laying ceremony followed by the reading of excerpts of Dr. Jose Rizal's timeless messages, a film showing and the singing of Pilipinas Kong Mahal. END