DOHA - The Philippine Embassy in the State of Qatar joined the Filipino nation in commemorating the 126th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal at an event held at the Embassy premises.

Embassy and partner agencies officials led by Charge d’Affaires, a.i. Cassandra B. Sawadjaan unveiled the new Rizal bust from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. A wreath-laying ceremony followed shortly with the participation of select members of the Filipino community.

From left: Welfare Officer Nestor Burayag; Assistant Labor Attache Don Philippe Pangcog; Vice Consul Monica Calangian; Welfare Officer Maribel Carisusa; and Charge d'Affaires Cassandra Sawadjaan;

CDA Sawadjaan read the Rizal Day message of H.E. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. while Third Secretary and Vice Consul Monica Remsy Calañgian shared the message of the Secretary for Foreign Affairs Hon. Enrique A. Manalo.

Selected Filipino students honored the Filipino national hero with a poetry reading of “To the Filipino Youth.” Later, a violin performance of “Bayan Ko” by Willie Munar, a student from the Philippine International School-Qatar, wowed the hundred or more guests hosted at the Chancery.

The Embassy personnel and guests shared a hearty Filipino breakfast to cap the event.