On 4 May at 6pm, the Rizal Monument and the Musical Dancing Fountain in Rizal Park, will be illuminated in the EU flag blue and yellow colours, thanks to the National Parks and Development Committee.
Europe Day is held on 9 May every year to celebrate peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historic ‘Schuman Declaration’ that set out the idea of a new form of cooperation between European nations that would make war between themselves unthinkable. This declaration led to the establishment of the European Communities, now the European Union – a Union of 27 European countries founded on the values of respect for human rights and dignity, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law. Since its establishment, the European Union is now a global political and economic actor.
European Union Ambassador Massimo Santoro said that Europe Day is an opportunity to highlight the founding of the European Union and its strong partnership and friendship with the Philippines.
“We are honored to light with European colors of blue and yellow, the monument dedicated to the Philippines national hero Jose Rizal this weekend. Sana maraming Pilipino ang humanga sa mga kulay na ito!”
Ambassador Santoro expressed his gratitude to the National Parks and Development Committee for the kind gesture of illuminating two historic landmarks within the Rizal Park in celebration of Europe Day.
Ambassadors of the European Union Member States’ Embassies and officials from the National Parks and Development Committee and the Department of Foreign Affairs and media organisations will also witness the special celebration.
The Rizal Park is very well connected to Europe. Inaugurated in June 2011 in time for Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary, the Noli Me Tangere Garden features the Wilhelmsfeld drinking fountain where Rizal used to drink from during his stay in 1886 in Germany. The red sandstone fountain was donated to the Philippine government on 30 December 1964 as a symbol of German-Filipino friendship. The bust of Ferdinand Blumentritt – Rizal’s friend who campaigned for Philippine independence can also be found in the Garden.
