Sydney, June 2012 - The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney, in partnership with the Order of the Knights of Rizal (OKOR), Sydney Chapter, commemorated the 151st birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal with two activities.

In the morning of 19 June 2012, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held at the bust of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Plaza Ibero-Americana in Sydney. Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis and several Consulate staff joined the officers of the OKOR, led by its Commander, Mr. Cesar Bartolome, Filipino community leaders, and Philippine media representatives at the ceremony.

In her remarks, Consul General Louis thanked the participants for keeping the memory and ideals of Dr. Jose Rizal alive, and encouraged them to continue to hold the ceremony and other activities honoring the legacy of Dr. Rizal.

On 23 June 2012, a symposium entitled, "Rizal: A Guide to prosper and fluorish in modern times", was held at the Bulwagang Rizal of the Consulate with author, anthropologist, historian and filmmaker Dr. Floro Quiboyen as resource speaker. Dr. Quiboyen talked about the hero's principles and writings, giving emphasis on the ideals of Dr. Rizal that can form the basis for living a fulfilled life in modern times. He discussed how the teachings of Rizal continue to be relevant today.

In her message, Consul General Louis spoke of keeping Rizal's legacy alive among Filipino migrant communities, especially the younger generation. END