29 December 2021, Seoul - The Philippine Embassy in Korea commemorated the 125th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal with a program including the unveiling of a new bust of Dr. Rizal from the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) at the recently refurbished Sentro Rizal in Seoul

The event also featured a floral offering at the bust of Dr. Rizal led by Philippine Ambassador Theresa De Vega and heads of attached services in Korea. Other program features included a recitation of excerpts from Rizal's "Mi Ultimo Adios" by Knight Grand Officer of the Knights of Rizal and Philippine Ambassador to Belgium Eduardo Jose A. De Vega, and a screening of acclaimed Filipino writer-director Nicholas B. Pichay's short film "Rizal's Pen" produced by the NCCA.

In her remarks, Philippine Ambassador Theresa De Vega, a member of the Ladies for Rizal, noted that this year's theme of "Rizal: Para sa Agham, Katotohanan at Buhay" (Rizal: For Science, Truth, and Life) is timely as we are living in a world where science is a key instrument for sustainable progress and a better world. "Rizal knew early on that scientific knowledge must be used for enlightenment and progress and not the oppression of society", she added.

The Sentro Rizal in Seoul features a conference room and resource center with books and other publications on Dr. Rizal and the Philippines, a reading lounge, and an event hall for film screenings, meetings, assemblies, and other presentations. END