THE pride of the Malayan race whose writings led to a revolution that established the first republic in Asia was given an honor in Singapore by way of a bronze bust relief.
It was recently unveiled in the city-states' Asian Civilization Museum Green.
Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero, was a frequent visitor of this now ultra-modern country.
In the late 19th century, Singapore was a quaint, English colony. It greatly attracted the peripatetic Filipino.
Over a century after his last visit, Rizal is once again back in his old stomping grounds in Singapore.
Education Secretary Jesli Lapus and Singapore President S.R. Nathan recently unveiled the prominent bronze bust relief of Rizal, dubbed "the great Malayan", at the museum located right at the heart of bustling Singapore.
The historic occasion was witnessed by Philippine Ambassador Belen Fule-Anota, National Historical Institute (NHI) chairman Ambeth Ocampo, and National Heritage Board (NHB) chairman Tommy Koh and chief executive officer Michael Koh.
Also present were members of the diplomatic corps, Singapore government officials and members of the Filipino community in Singapore.
The project is part of the "Friends to our Shores" program of the Singapore National Heritage Board. It was undertaken with the cooperation of the Philippine Embassy in Singapore.
The two-sided marker bears a picture of a painting of Rizal by Fabian de la Rosa on one side. The other side was a bronze relief of Rizal by Philippine national artist Guillermo Tolentino, fabricated by Peter de Guzman. Only the third of its kind, it serves to mark the visits (1882, 1887, 1891, and 1896) of Rizal to Singapore.
Dr. Elizabeth Ong, former president of the Filipino Ladies Group of Singapore, did the initial research on the travels of Rizal to Singapore. This eventually led to the publication of the books on Philippines-Singapore relations entitled, "Journey of Friendship".
Ong said she was "pleased that the main recommendation of the book to put up a marker of Rizal in Singapore is finally happening."
In his remarks before the unveiling ceremony, Lapus said, "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."
The unveiling of the marker was preceded by a well-received lecture on Rizal by Professor Ambeth Ocampo.
He hoped 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 unveiling ceremony is 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. (Press release)
