The Sentro Rizal of Phnom Penh
Officials of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Philippine Embassy in Cambodia led the inauguration of the Sentro Rizal of Phnom Penh (SRPP) at simple rites held on 19 June 2015 at the Embassy grounds.
“What a better way to commemorate the birth anniversary of our national hero than by honoring him with a place here in Cambodia that bears his noble name and legacy. This is a fitting tribute to our foremost Filipino patriot and nationalist, who is perhaps the most celebrated OFW in the late 19th century,” Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia Christopher B. Montero told Filipino community members who attended the inauguration ceremony.
“More than a platform to promote our culture, this Sentro Rizal will be a gleaming symbol of who we are as Filipinos, as well as an enduring representation of our firm resolve to preserve and propagate the richness and diversity of our culture as a people,” Ambassador Montero added.
NCCA Chairman Felipe M. de Leon, Jr. presented a Certificate of Registration to Ambassador Montero, accrediting the Sentro Rizal of Phnom Penh as the 11th Sentro Rizal across the globe. It marked the first time for NCCA officials to grace the opening of a Sentro Rizal outside of the Philippines.
The establishment of the SRPP is in line with the mandate provided for under Republic Act No. 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, which is to promote Philippine culture, arts and language throughout the world.
As an initial activity of the SRPP, Chairman de Leon delivered a public lecture entitled “What Makes Filipinos Filipino?” to members of the Filipino community, who expressed delight in learning about themselves and the unique genius inherent in the Filipino.
Some of the upcoming activities of the SRPP for 2015 include a Filipino Language and Culture Class for children, film showings, poetry-readings, and story-telling sessions.
Inside the Sentro Rizal of Phnom Penh
During his visit to Cambodia, Chairman de Leon also delivered a public lecture entitled “Philippine Society in the ASEAN Community” to students of the Royal University of Phnom Penh on 20 June. His delegation included Ms. Veronica Amboni of the NCCA-International Affairs Office and Ms. Maria Shaina Santiago of the NCCA-Sentro Rizal. END
update25june2015
