PR-MJD-67-2025
The Philippine Consulate General in Manado Commemorates
the 129th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of
Dr. Jose Rizal
16 December 2025, Manado - The Philippine Consulate General in Manado, in collaboration with the Bitung City Government, commemorated the 129th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal on 16 December 2025 at the Dr. Jose Rizal Monument in Bitung City, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The activity was attended by Hon. Hengky Honandar, Mayor of Bitung City, and participated in by personnel of the Philippine Consulate General.
The commemoration commenced with a flag-raising ceremony, featuring the Philippine National Anthem, Lupang Hinirang, followed by the Indonesian National Anthem, Indonesia Raya. This was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony led by Consul General Mary Jennifer Domingo Dingal and Mayor Hengky Honandar.
Following the wreath-laying, Mayor Honandar delivered his message, recalling that since 1993, Bitung City has maintained a sister-city relationship with Davao City, Philippines. He noted that the Dr. Jose Rizal Monument in Bitung City and the Dr. Sam Ratulangi Monument in Davao City stand as enduring symbols of friendship and shared values between the Philippines and Indonesia. Mayor Honandar further observed that the Rizal Monument has generated academic interest among local youth and contributed to the continued appreciation of Dr. Rizal’s legacy in North Sulawesi. He emphasized the relevance of Dr. Rizal’s values—particularly peace, integrity, and the importance of education—and expressed hope that these principles would continue to guide efforts to strengthen Philippines–Indonesia relations at the local level.
In her remarks, Consul General Dingal expressed appreciation to the City Government and people of Bitung for their support and participation, noting that the activity marked the first collaboration of its kind between the Bitung City Government and the Philippine Consulate General in Manado. She highlighted the significance of holding the ceremony at the only Dr. Jose Rizal Monument in Indonesia. She also reaffirmed the enduring relevance of Dr. Rizal’s legacy and ideals in promoting mutual understanding and friendship between nations.
The wreath-laying ceremony reaffirmed the Philippine Consulate General in Manado’s continued commitment to advancing cultural diplomacy, strengthening community engagement, and supporting Filipino educators whose contributions remain integral to academic and artistic development in North Sulawesi. The activity also contributed to mutual understanding and the further strengthening of friendly relations between the Philippines and Indonesia at the local level. End
