Seoul, 19 June 2026 - In commemoration of the 165th birth anniversary of the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, in collaboration with the Knights of Rizal–Korea Chapter, held solemn rites and a commemorative program at the Sentro Rizal Hall of the Embassy on 19 June 2026.

The ceremony brought together Embassy officials led by Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez, officers of the Knights of Rizal–Korea Chapter, Commander Samuel Cho of the Knights of Rizal–Seoul Chapter and spouse, Embassy personnel and guests who gathered to pay tribute to the life, works, and enduring legacy of Dr. Rizal. The observance served as a meaningful reminder of the values of patriotism, civic responsibility, and national pride that Rizal espoused throughout his life and writings.

The program commenced with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, Lupang Hinirang, by the Philippine Embassy Chorale, followed by an invocation led by Sir Manolo R. Barotilla, Auditor of the Knights of Rizal–Korea Chapter. Ambassador Fernandez then delivered an inspirational message highlighting Dr. Rizal’s continuing relevance to Filipinos around the world. This was followed by the reading of the message of Supreme Commander Sir Emmanuel F. Calairo, KGCR, entitled “The Beacon in the Storm,” which was delivered by Sir Anthony Rafael Gil Z. Cornista, Commander of the Knights of Rizal–Korea Chapter. The ceremony concluded with the traditional offering of flowers before the bust of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

In her remarks, Ambassador Fernandez emphasized that the commemoration of Rizal's birth anniversary is not only an occasion to remember his remarkable achievements as a patriot, writer, and intellectual, but also an opportunity to reaffirm the values of integrity, excellence in public service, and unwavering commitment to the nation.

In his message, Supreme Commander Calairo underscored the enduring relevance of Rizal's teachings in addressing contemporary challenges. He noted that, “In today’s society, we face modern ‘monsters’: misinformation that breeds distrust, economic shifts that create anxiety, and social divides that feel impossible to bridge.” He reminded attendees of Rizal’s timeless principle that “Unity is the soul of a people,” emphasizing the importance of solidarity, understanding, and collective action in overcoming the challenges of the modern world.

Participants honored the sacrifices and ideals of the national hero, whose advocacy for peaceful reform, education, and love of country helped inspire the Philippine movement for independence and continues to guide generations of Filipinos in their pursuit of nation-building and civic engagement.

The annual observance of Rizal’s birth anniversary remains an important tradition for Filipinos around the world, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of the national hero and his continuing influence on generations of Filipinos both in the Philippines and overseas. END