RIYADH: The Philippine Embassy honored yesterday the 148th birthday of Jose P. Rizal, the national hero who fought against Spanish colonialists.
“Jose P. Rizal was among the heroes who fought against colonialism under Spain for more than 300 years,” said Philippine Ambassador Antonio P. Villamor during the official ceremony at the embassy. “Executed by firing squad in 1896, Rizal unselfishly gave his life for his country and countrymen.”
The ambassador gave a nod to the Riyadh chapter of the Order of the Knights of Rizal (OKOR), which accepted 12 new members yesterday.
“What ails the country now is not necessarily colonialism per se but rather political instability and economic uncertainty,” said Villamor. “This is why OFWs, many of whom are OKOR members, have been called ‘Modern Filipinos’.”
