Jose Rizal marker unveiled in Switzerland

A marker for Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was unveiled in Switzerland last December 14 to mark Rizal's 150th birth anniversary.

 

Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland Leslie Baja led the unveiling of the Rizal marker at the QDPH-owned Hotel Schweizerhof Bern.

 

"The plaque was put at the entrance of the hotel where Dr. Jose Rizal stayed in Berne from 4 to 5 June 1887.  It was provided by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines led by its Chair, Ma. Serena Diokno," the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

 

Also at the unveiling were QDHP Director Bruno Schöpfer and hotel general manager Michael Thomann. Schöpfer was a former general manager of the Mandarin Oriental Manila.

 

In his remarks, Baja noted the close relations between the Philippines and Switzerland.

 

He noted the celebrations in 2012 of the 150 years since the establishment of the first Swiss consulate in Asia in Manila.

 

Baja also exhorted Filipinos in Switzerland, especially the second generation Filipinos, to remain true to the ideals of Rizal.

 

Earlier this year, the Embassy organized an exhibit on Rizal and established the Sentro Rizal at the Embassy Chancery.

 

"While in Switzerland, the Philippine national hero visited Schaffhausen, Basel, Berne, Lausanne and Geneva.  Markers have been installed previously in Schaffhausen and Geneva," the DFA said.

 

It added Rizal translated Schiller's novel of  the legendary Swiss hero William Tell, a tale about a Swiss' struggle against oppression, into Tagalog.

 

"It is thus a big coincidence that the sculptor of the Rizal monument in Manila was Swiss artist Richard Kissling, who likewise made the statue of William Tell in Altdorf, Switzerland," the DFA said.

 

Kissling designed and constructed monuments to two heroes famous for their defense of the rights and the dignity of their peoples. — LBG, GMA News