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Press Release
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN CHICAGO COMMEMORATES 129TH ANNIVERSARY OF MARTYRDOM OF DR. JOSE RIZAL
The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago commemorated the 129th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal with a wreath-laying ceremony on 30 December 2025 at the Rizal Monument in Margate Park. Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano and Mr. Mariano Santos, Area Commander for Central USA of the Knights of Rizal (KoR) led the wreath-laying ceremony, together with Consulate personnel and some members of the KoR.
Following the ceremony, a commemorative program was held at the Kalayaan Hall at the Consulate. In her welcome remarks, Consul General Diano underscored this year’s theme, “Sa Pagbangon ng mga Mamamayan, Aral at Diwa Mo ang Tunay na Gabay,” emphasizing that Rizal’s legacy continues to serve as a moral compass for Filipinos both in the Philippines and abroad.
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She noted that while Rizal’s execution marked the end of his life, it also ignited a movement grounded in the values he championed - education, reason, peaceful reform, and unwavering love of country. Consul General Diano called on the Filipino community to honor Rizal not only through remembrance, but by living out his ideals of integrity, courage, unity, and service.
Mr. Santos shared a brief historical account of Dr. Rizal’s visit to Chicago, recalling that the national hero once stayed in the city for several hours during his travels—an anecdote that further highlighted Rizal’s global footprint and relevance.
The program featured a lecture by Dr. Amando Boncales, Chapter Commander of the Knights of Rizal, Maynilad Chapter, entitled “Internationalizing Rizal: Why His Teachings Matter for Filipino American Educators in the United States.” The lecture examined how Rizal’s teachings can be applied within the U.S. educational context.
Dr. Boncales emphasized the role of Filipino American educators as cultural and intellectual bridges, carrying with them a rich heritage shaped by Philippine history and critical consciousness. He highlighted Rizal’s belief that education should liberate the mind - an approach that aligns with contemporary pedagogical frameworks emphasizing critical thinking, ethical judgment, and inclusivity across disciplines.
Addressing today’s challenges of misinformation, polarization, and rapid technological change, Dr. Boncales underscored Rizal’s enduring call for intellectual honesty, humility in the pursuit of truth, and moral courage rooted in integrity rather than confrontation. He further stressed the importance of inclusive and humane education that recognizes diverse intelligences and capacities among learners.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, Filipino teachers from Chicago Public Schools rendered heartfelt musical performances that brought warmth and spirit to the celebration. Prior to the program, the guests enjoyed a simple Filipino breakfast, fostering fellowship among everyone present at the celebration.
Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano welcomes guests
Knights of Rizal’s Area Commander Mariano “Anong” Santos delivers brief remarks
Members of Knights of Rizal, Filipino teachers of Chicago Public School, members of United
Filipino Club of College of Dupage and personnel of the Consulate listen to Mr. Mariano.
Mr. Nick Gilana reads a poem composed by Dr. Ramon G. Lopez, a descendant of Dr. Jose Rizal.
Filipino Teachers render two heartfelt Filipino songs
Dr. Boncales leads the discussion on Rizal.
Mr. Reynel Espiritu and Ms. Evelyn Natividad donated a book on “The Making of the Jose Rizal
Monument in Chicago” to Consul General Diano
Consul General Diano presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the Filipino Teacher of Chicago Public School.
Consul General presents Certificate of Appreciation to Dr. Amando Boncales as guest lecturer.
Group photo: Consul Melvin Almonguera, Consul Ella Karina Mitra, Consul General Melanie Rita Diano
and Ms. Rosemarie San Diego of Nightingale
Group photo: Members of Knights of Rizal and Ladies of Rizal with Officials
of the Philippine Consulate General
Group photo: Consulate officials with members of United Filipino Club of College of Dupage
Group photo: Officers and Staff of the Philippine Consulate General
The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago commemorated the 129th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal with a wreath-laying ceremony on 30 December 2025 at the Rizal Monument in Margate Park. Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano and Mr. Mariano Santos, Area Commander for Central USA of the Knights of Rizal (KoR) led the wreath-laying ceremony, together with Consulate personnel and some members of the KoR.
Following the ceremony, a commemorative program was held at the Kalayaan Hall at the Consulate. In her welcome remarks, Consul General Diano underscored this year’s theme, “Sa Pagbangon ng mga Mamamayan, Aral at Diwa Mo ang Tunay na Gabay,” emphasizing that Rizal’s legacy continues to serve as a moral compass for Filipinos both in the Philippines and abroad.
v
She noted that while Rizal’s execution marked the end of his life, it also ignited a movement grounded in the values he championed - education, reason, peaceful reform, and unwavering love of country. Consul General Diano called on the Filipino community to honor Rizal not only through remembrance, but by living out his ideals of integrity, courage, unity, and service.
Mr. Santos shared a brief historical account of Dr. Rizal’s visit to Chicago, recalling that the national hero once stayed in the city for several hours during his travels—an anecdote that further highlighted Rizal’s global footprint and relevance.
The program featured a lecture by Dr. Amando Boncales, Chapter Commander of the Knights of Rizal, Maynilad Chapter, entitled “Internationalizing Rizal: Why His Teachings Matter for Filipino American Educators in the United States.” The lecture examined how Rizal’s teachings can be applied within the U.S. educational context.
Dr. Boncales emphasized the role of Filipino American educators as cultural and intellectual bridges, carrying with them a rich heritage shaped by Philippine history and critical consciousness. He highlighted Rizal’s belief that education should liberate the mind - an approach that aligns with contemporary pedagogical frameworks emphasizing critical thinking, ethical judgment, and inclusivity across disciplines.
Addressing today’s challenges of misinformation, polarization, and rapid technological change, Dr. Boncales underscored Rizal’s enduring call for intellectual honesty, humility in the pursuit of truth, and moral courage rooted in integrity rather than confrontation. He further stressed the importance of inclusive and humane education that recognizes diverse intelligences and capacities among learners.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, Filipino teachers from Chicago Public Schools rendered heartfelt musical performances that brought warmth and spirit to the celebration. Prior to the program, the guests enjoyed a simple Filipino breakfast, fostering fellowship among everyone present at the celebration.
Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano welcomes guests
Knights of Rizal’s Area Commander Mariano “Anong” Santos delivers brief remarks
Members of Knights of Rizal, Filipino teachers of Chicago Public School, members of United
Filipino Club of College of Dupage and personnel of the Consulate listen to Mr. Mariano.
Mr. Nick Gilana reads a poem composed by Dr. Ramon G. Lopez, a descendant of Dr. Jose Rizal.
Filipino Teachers render two heartfelt Filipino songs
Dr. Boncales leads the discussion on Rizal.
Mr. Reynel Espiritu and Ms. Evelyn Natividad donated a book on “The Making of the Jose Rizal
Monument in Chicago” to Consul General Diano
Consul General Diano presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the Filipino Teacher of Chicago Public School.
Consul General presents Certificate of Appreciation to Dr. Amando Boncales as guest lecturer.
Group photo: Consul Melvin Almonguera, Consul Ella Karina Mitra, Consul General Melanie Rita Diano
and Ms. Rosemarie San Diego of Nightingale
Group photo: Members of Knights of Rizal and Ladies of Rizal with Officials
of the Philippine Consulate General
Group photo: Consulate officials with members of United Filipino Club of College of Dupage
Group photo: Officers and Staff of the Philippine Consulate General