Vice Consul Elaine Mae V. Laruan-Hernandez, Acting Head of Post, led the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen officials in honoring Dr. Jose Rizal on his 160th birth anniversary through a wreath laying rite at the Rizal Memorial Square in Jinjiang City, Fujian on 21 June 2021.
Vice Consul Laruan-Hernandez was joined by representatives of Foreign Affairs Office (FAO) of the Jinjiang Municipal People’s Government led by Director General Mme. Cai Wanzhen
The Philippines’ national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was born on June 19, 1861. Every year, the country celebrates his birth anniversary by remembering his life and works.
The short but solemn rite honors the life and works of Dr. Jose Rizal and his invaluable contribution to the Philippine independence.
Under the initiative of the Consulate General – Sentro Rizal on Philippine commemorative programs, it pays tribute to Rizal by organizing activities which include wreath laying ceremonies and donations of Filipiniana materials to form part of memorabilia collection of Jinjiang City museum which has a special Rizal corner showcasing the national hero’s ancestral roots and other art works.
The only Rizal Park in the Asia-Pacific region sits on a 5-hectare complex in Jinjiang City as a tribute to the national hero and his ancestral roots whose great ancestor Domingo Lamco originated from Jinjiang. It also serves as a lasting symbol of the friendship and deep historical and kinship ties between the Philippines and Fujian Province, China.
The wreath laying ceremony completes the series of activities lined up by the Consulate General and Sentro Rizal – Xiamen for Kalayaan 2021 – a commemoration of the 123rd anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence. END
