Philippine national hero stands tall in Singapore

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos now have another reason to walk tall when they visit bustling Singapore. Just recently, The Lion City installed a prominent bust relief of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Asian Civilization Museum Green in honor of the Philippine national hero. Education Secretary Jesli Lapus and Singapore President S.R. Nathan unveiled the bronze bust relief of Rizal, dubbed "the great Malayan," as part of the "Friends to our Shores" program of the Singapore National Heritage Board. According to the Department of Education (DepEd), the two-sided marker bears a picture of a painting of Rizal by Fabian de la Rosa on one side and a bronze relief of the hero by national artist Guillermo Tolentino, fabricated by Peter de Guzman. “Only the third of its kind, it serves to mark the visits (1882, 1887, 1891,1896) of Rizal to Singapore," said a press statement posted on the DepEd’s website on Wednesday. The project was undertaken with the cooperation of the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, said the statement. Witnessing the historic occasion were Philippine Ambassador Belen Fule-Anota, Chairman Ambeth Ocampo of the Philippine National Historical Institute, Chairman Tommy Koh of the Singapore National Heritage Board (NHB), Chief Executive Officer Michael Koh of the NHB, members of the diplomatic corps, Singapore government officials and members of the Filipino community. "With the unveiling of the marker of the Philippines revered national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, we are signaling to the world that the links between our countries' peoples not only go back several centuries but that we are committed to forging even deeper ties of friendship, understanding and cooperation," Secretary Lapuz was quoted as saying in a speech before the unveiling ceremony. Professor Ocampo also gave a well-received lecture, during which he expressed hope that a Rizal Walking Tour could be undertaken as the next project of the NHB along with a marker to commemorate the visit to Singapore of General Emilio Aguinaldo in 1898. The DepEd report said it was Dr. Elizabeth Ong, former president of the Filipino ladies Group of Singapore, who did the initial research on the travels of Rizal to Singapore, which eventually led to the publication of the books on Philippines-Singapore relations entitled, "Journey of Friendship." Ambassador Anota was quoted as saying the unveiling ceremony was just the beginning of a host of activities to be undertaken by the Philippines and Singapore as both countries prepare for the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between them. "Indeed there is much to look forward to in the coming year and I am certain that today's events have paved the way for more dynamic and vibrant exchanges between our two countries," she said. Rizal, whose writings inspired a revolution that established the first republic in Asia, is also honored in parts of Europe where he studied or resided, and in Hong Kong, where he worked as an eye doctor before his fateful return to the Philippines. Despite his refusal to join the armed revolution led by Andres Bonifacio, he was executed by the Spanish colonial rulers on Dec. 30, 1896. - GMANews.TV