The Kababaihang Rizalista Inc. (KRI) which is the counterpart organisation of the Knights of Rizal (KoR) is set to expand in Australia with the organising efforts and support of the Philippine Embassy in Canberra. In celebration of National Women’s Month, HE Ambassador Hellen B. De La Vega urges all Filipinas in Australia to always take pride in their feminist heritage and be relentless in their pursuit of excellence and equality.
Proclamation No. 227 s. 1988 “providing for the observance of the month of March as ‘Women’s Role in History Month” signed by the former President Corazon C. Aquino, reinforced the earlier proclamation No. 224 s. 1988 declaring the First Week of March of every year as Women’s Week and March 8, 1988 and every year thereafter as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day.”
These proclamations emphasise the significant role of Filipino women in various aspects of development in society throughout our history. These continually aim to empower women as active contributors and claimholders of progress and growth which are anchored on the values of Compassion and Real Change. The theme set by the Philippine Commission for Women for the years 2017 to 2022 is “We Make Change Work for Women”.
“I ask all the Filipino women in Australia to find time to read Rizal’s letter to the brave women of Malolos. His message is profound and timeless. He recognised the multiple roles women play and the leadership position that a woman and mother naturally occupy. It will be recalled that the young women of Malolos appealed the denial of their petition to open a night school so that they can learn Spanish, Jose Rizal encouraged them to stand and fight for what is right, to oppose oppression, to pursue their individual endeavours, to be united in the fight for freedom, to be the light and guide of her family towards the right path, and to believe that men and women are created equal.”, Ambassador De La Vega encouraged and explained.
The Ambassador also noted that as Filipinas who have different and many roles to play, we should always remember what Rizal said in this famous letter, “Let the maiden be the pride of her country and command respect.”
“It is important for Filipino women all over the world to empower themselves as they are the reflection of their country and an example to every family towards a better world.”, Ms Josephine Quintero, a descendant of Rizal’s youngest sister, Soledad Alonso Mercado Realonda Rizal, added.
Following the efforts to establish KRI Canberra Chapter is Ms Quintero’s endeavour to likewise invite Filipino women to join her in forming KRI in the state of Victoria where she resides to propagate Rizal’s teachings and elevate the position of Filipino women of Malolos in 1889.
Ms Quintero has the support of Consul General Maria Lourdes Salcedo on the establishment of KRI Melbourne Chapter. “It is an opportunity to elevate the values that our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal held dear towards human rights and dignity, including gender equality. He was truly ahead of his time by espousing equal rights no matter [sic] your ethnicity, gender, age and beliefs. This is also our opportunity to learn and share the life and teachings of Dr. Rizal that are amazingly universal in their significance and application in our daily lives.”, Consul General Salcedo said.
About Kababaihang Rizalista Inc.
KRI is a counterpart organisation of the KoR, a civic organisation incorporated under the Corporation Law of the Philippines in the year 1916 by patriotic citizens for the main purpose of promoting the teachings and ideals of Dr Jose Rizal (Republic Act 646).
KRI was conceptualised in 1950 by then KoR Supreme Commander, Sir Juan F. Nakpil, KGCR with Dr Sixto Y Orosa as committee chairman and convenor. It was founded in September 1958 by Dr Severina Luna Orosa with Dr Encarnacion Alzona as the First President. KRI was registered with the Securities Exchange Commission the following year in April 1959. The organisation celebrates its 64th founding anniversary this year with Lady Bernadita S. Lizardo as the current National President. KRI has chapters in Asia (HK) Germany (Bonn, Berlin-Brandenburg, Cologne, Hamburg and Wilhelmsfeld-Heicielbera), Canada (Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver), USA (Arizona, Chicago, Florida, Hawaii, New Jersey, Texas, Houston and Las Vegas), and the rest of Europe (Beausoleil and Paris in France, Brussels in Belgium, Modena and Cagliari in Italy and Cote d’ Azur in Monaco). In 2018, the first Australian chapter in Sydney was established.
For interested parties, contact the Philippine Embassy on (02) 6273 2535 (Canberra) or Josephine Quintero on 0407 666 688 (Melbourne).
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