Chicago university now home to Jose Rizal's manuscripts

Copies of the original manuscripts of Filipino national hero Dr. Jose Rizal's satirical novels — Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo — have a new home: the Northern Illinois University (NIU) in Chicago in the United States. In time for the 150th birth anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal on June 19 this year, Philippine officials in Chicago donated copies of the manuscripts of Rizal's novels to the university. Citing a report from the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim turned over the items to NIU president John Peters on May 6. The turning over of Rizal's manuscripts was part of the Philippine Consulate's "Spreading Rizal's Message" program for Rizal's 150th birth anniversary. "The visit was Consul General Herrera-Lim's first Rizal event outside of Chicago, a week after his presentation of similar books to the University of Chicago," the DFA said in a news release. The university was selected to receive the copies of the manuscripts because of its reputation of being the home of some impressive collection of artworks from Southeast Asia such as rare books, palm-leaf manuscripts, and original artworks, the DFA said. The NIU University Libraries are home to the Donn V. Hart Southeast Asia Collection, an impressive collection of Southeast Asia related materials. The Center for Southeast Asian Studies can also be found at the university, making it fitting to receive copies of the most treasured novels in Philippine history. The original copy of the Noli and El Fili are reported to be in danger of being permanently damaged. Germany and the Philippines are earmarking P2 million to buy equipment for the restoration of the manuscripts as well as Rizal's sketches and diaries. Dr. Rizal Rizal, who was born on June 19, 1861, had exposed the ills of Philippine society through his novels. The two novels depict the abuses suffered by the native indios at the hands of Spanish tyrants. The Noli shows the rotten system during the Spanish regime, the illicit ways of the church, and the unequal trade of the privilege class. El Fili — the sequel of the Noli — prods on to paint the clear picture of the "social cancer" that deteriorates Philippine society. — with Suzette Dalumpines/VVP, GMA News