PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy Observes 115th Anniversary of Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal with Members of the Filipino Community

On 30 December 2011, the Philippine Embassy in Tehran held activities in observance of the 115^th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, with the participation of the officers of the Filipino community organizations and members of the Filipino Community in Tehran.

The activities started at 8:30 AM with a flag raising ceremony and singing of Philippine National Anthem. Embassy officers and staff led by CDA Mariano A. Dumia as well as the officers and members of the Filipino community in Tehran led by Mrs. Lourdes Lambino (President of FICA) Mrs. Lisa Hidalgo (Secretary of PIFC) also renewed their pledge of allegiance to the Filipino flag and the country through the recital of the "Panunumpa sa Watawat."

Embassy personnel and members of the Filipino Community raise the Philippine national flag starting the

activities on the observance of the 115^th Aniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal  

After the flag raising and pledging ceremony, the guests were led inside the Chancery for the program. CDA Dumia gave his welcome remarks as well as a brief narration of the sacrifices and heroism of Dr. Jose P. Rizal and the relevance of Rizal's ideals to contemporary lives of Filipinos.

Mr. Mipantao A. Sarip, Administrative Officer, read the biography of Dr. Jose P. Rizal and while Ms. Rosario Lemque, Minister and Consul General exhorted the audience to emulate the kindness exhibited by Dr. Jose P. Rizal to the people of Mindanao during his exile in Dapitan, by helping the victims of the recent typhoon/flood (Sendong) in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City. She also gave the program's closing remarks.

CDA Mariano Dumia gives his welcome remarks on Rizal Day and narration of Rizal's sacrifices, heroism and ideals

A sumptuous breakfast of Filipino foods and delicacies was served by the Embassy to the officers and members of the Filipino community organizations in Tehran, who all expressed their happiness and appreciation for being invited to participate in the ceremony.

Filipino community members pose with Embassy officers and staff led by CDA Mariano Dumia (seated 4^th from left) and Mrs. Gloria Dumia (3^rd from left) during the program on the anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.