Press Release No. EBB-129-2019
Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah promotes inclusiveness during Rizal Day commemoration
JEDDAH, 30 December - In commemoration of the 123rdanniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal's martyrdom, the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah (JPCG), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia held today at the JPCG grounds a flag-raising ceremony, wreath-laying, and a short programme led by Consulate personnel.Consulate personnel dependents, and members of the Filipino community in Jeddah were invited to the occasion.
The International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ) Drum and Lyre Band played the Philippine National Anthem at the opening of the program, after the wreath-laying ceremony led by the Consulate’s officers. It was followed by a poetry reading by Consulate personnel Ms. Violeta Adina and Mr. Diosdado Abarra of Rizal’s “Isang Alaala ng Aking Bayan”, a poem paying tribute to his hometown.
Consul Mary Jennifer Dingal gave a short talk on Rizal as a catalyst for the birth of nationalism.
In his inspirational message, Consul General Edgar Badajos said that Dr. Jose Rizal’s fervent love of country and his martyrdom served as the unifying force for the Filipino people to finally set aside their personal and professional differences, and work toward the common goal of liberating the country from the shackles of colonial rule. He said that our “historical quotient” or deep understanding of our country’s history will help us in nation-building.
The program also included folk dances “Karatong and Pandango” from the Arabian Scorpion Chapter Dance Group, and a song number “TagumpayNating Lahat” by Consul Mary Jennifer Dingal and daughter Maria Francesca Dingal.
During the celebration, the Consulate General also launched the Jeddah PCG E-Sentro Rizal that would make all Philippine cultural resources available online at the Consulate’s Sentro Rizal. The last part of the program was an awarding ceremony for the Rizal Day Poster-Making Contest which was participated in by students from different Philippine international schools in Jeddah participated.
The program was open to all members of the Filipino Community in Jeddah “to make everyone realize that heroism and martyrdom can be aspired for by all,” Consul General Badajos said. –END-
Consul General Edgar B. Badajos (left) and Consul Mary Jennifer Dingal (right), together
with Jeddah PCG officers during the Rizal Day wreath-laying ceremony.
Arabian Scorpion Folk Dance Troupe performing the “Karatong” and “Pandango” at the
Jeddah PCG Rizal Day celebration on 30 December at the Consulate grounds.
Jeddah PCG officers, staff, dependents and members of the Filipino community at the Jeddah PCG Rizal Day celebration.
Consul General Edgar Badajos (leftmost) lead the ribbon-cutting of the newly-installed Jeddah PCG e-Sentro Rizal.
With him are Consul Mary Jennifer Dingal (3rd from right), Assitant Labor Attache Herminigildo Daytoc (3rd from left),
Social Welfare Attache Anna Oidem (rightmost), Ms. Miracle Tapado of the International Philippine School in
Jeddah, and Mr. Carlos de Leon of the Durat Al Sharq International School.
