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Masons, Consulate lead 115th Rizal Day celebration
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Posted on Jan 07 2012
By Clarissa David
Reporter
Reporter
The Free and Accepted Masons of Emon Lodge No. 179 partnered with the Philippine Consulate General in commemorating the 115th death anniversary of Philippine national hero Jose P. Rizal on Dec. 30.
Some 15 masons, Consulate staffers, and guests took part in the brief yet solemn program that featured a flag raising ceremony outside the Marianas Business Plaza in Susupe at 9am followed by the reading of Rizal’s biography, including the hourly account of the time leading to his death, and the reading of one of Rizal’s famous works, Mi Ultimo Adios.
“Since Dr. Jose Rizal being a Mason, Emon Lodge has decided to get involved with the celebration of Rizal’s birthday and death anniversary and we plan to continue to do so. Rizal’s martyrdom sparked the revolution that led to our country’s independence,” Emon Lodge incoming Senior Warden Edwin Arenas told Saipan Tribune.
Arenas said it is an honor to be part of an organization to which Rizal, who helped free the Filipinos from colonial rule, belonged.
“We will remain committed to recognizing Dr. Rizal’s contributions to the Philippine society by commemorating his important dates,” added Arenas.
Consul General Medardo Macaraig, for his part, said that the Filipinos should continue honoring Rizal.
“As our national hero, Rizal has a lot of contributions to what the Philippines is right now and it is important to honor him for those contributions. The Consulate is happy the Emon Lodge agreed to continue this partnership even beyond 2011,” said Macaraig.
