Rizal marker unveiled in Brussels

A historical marker in honor of Dr. Jose P. Rizal has been unveiled in Brussels on the occasion of the commemoration of his birth on June 19, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday. “I am very happy that finally we were able to install a Rizal marker in Brussels. The unveiling of the marker in Brussels served as another momentous occasion for all of us Filipinos here in Europe," said Philippine Ambassador to Belgium Cristina G. Ortega. Rizal lived in a boarding house located at no. 42 rue Philippe de Champagne, Brussels, from March 28, 1890 to July 23, 1891. In his brief stay in Brussels, Rizal devoted his time editing one of his famous novels, El Filibusterismo. He also wrote some of his literary works, to include among others “The Indolence of the Filipinos," which he contributed to La Solidaridad. The DFA said the Rizal marker project was made possible with the support of the Philippine National Historical Institute and the Order of the Knights of Rizal in Belgium. Around 150 Filipinos and foreigners witnessed the ceremony, some of them coming all the way from Ireland and Germany. Ambassador Ortega said Rizal’s values and teachings are so universal and timeless that they still inspire people to come together and celebrate a life that has become a great idea. She led the floral offering in front of the marker. The four chapters of the Order of the Knights of Rizal, namely the Brussels, Diamond, El Filibusterismo and Lions Chapters and the Kababaihang Rizalistas joined her in the offering. A short tribute on the life of Rizal highlighting his acts of heroism, delivered by Sir Lino Paras, KOR Regional Commander for Europe, added significance to the ceremony. - GMANews.TV