Work of Philippine national hero to be institutionalized

RIYADH: The Knights of Rizal — Riyadh Chapter will soon launch a project to further institutionalize the works and ideas of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine national hero.
Resty S. Sibug, chapter commander, told Arab News that five Philippine international schools in the Saudi capital have agreed to collaborate in the project.
He said the project involves a bust of Rizal to be located in what is called “Rizal’s Corner” inside the school building or campus.
Sibug said the busts will come from the Knights of Rizal’s headquarters in the Philippines.
The project also involves books containing Rizal’s works, such as articles, poems, novels and essays.
Sibug said the Knights of Rizal — Riyadh chapter, chaired by Philippine Embassy Charge d’Affaires Iric Arribas Cruz, deemed it proper to enlist the schools to propagate the teachings of Rizal among children.
He said children should know about the national hero, who could be a good example for them and whose teachings could be adopted by them so they become good citizens when they grow up.
Aside from the project, expected to be launched in April, the Knights of Rizal — Riyadh chapter has been conducting academic contests among Philippine international schools in Gulf countries.
With members contributing money, the contests are held in Bahrain during Ramadan.
The five schools that have signaled their intention to cooperate in the project are the Elite International School (EIS), Palm Crest International School (PCIS), Al-Danah International School (ADIS), Al-Taj International School (ATIS) and International Philippine School in Riyadh (IPSR).
Considered a genius because he spoke several languages, Rizal was born on June 19, 1861, to Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonzo. He was executed on Dec. 30, 1896, because of his writings.