PHL officials in Chicago donate copies of Rizal novels

Filipino officials in Chicago in the United States donated copies of the original manuscripts of two of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal's novels to the City Colleges of Chicago. Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim made the donation of the copies of the manuscripts of "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo" on October 20, according to a news release of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The City Colleges of Chicago is a network of seven Colleges that includes Richard J. Daley College, Harold Washington College, Kennedy-King College, Malcolm X College, Olive-Harvey College, Wilbur Wright College and Harry S. Truman College. "What set Dr. Rizal apart from Filipino revolutionaries of his time was that he was a man of reason," Herrera-Lim said. "He believed in armed conflict only as a last resort, but hoped that change would come from the rightness of his cause, the rich history of the Philippines and the dignity of the Filipino people," he added. Those present at the ceremony included Dr. Ramon Lopez, a descendant of Rizal, and Truman College President Dr. Reagan Romali. In her welcome remarks, Romali expressed her gratitude for the donation, saying Truman College is very grateful for the opportunity to honor Rizal. The book donation is part of the Consulate's year-long celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Rizal this year. Rizal was born on June 19, 1861 in Calamba Laguna. He was executed by firing squad on December 30, 1896 after he was found guilty of rebellion, sedition, and forming an illegal association against the Spanish colonizers of the Philippines. - VVP, GMA News