Philippine Embassy – Embassy inaugurates the Dr. Jose Rizal Award for Philippine-German Cultural Relations
Embassy inaugurates the Dr. Jose Rizal Award for Philippine-German Cultural Relations
The Philippine Embassy in Berlin inaugurated the Dr. Jose Rizal Award for Philippine-German Cultural Relations during its reception for the 112th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD) in Berlin.
In consultation with the National Historical Institute (NHI) and the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Philippine Embassy under the leadership of Ambassador Delia Domingo-Albert initiated the recognition of the first five (5) German nationals who have made a permanent contribution to Philippine German relations in the field of cultural diplomacy.
The award is named after the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, in recognition of his role in bridging Philippine-German relations through his works inspired by German tradition of freedom and liberty, which he experienced while he lived and studied in Heidelberg, Wilhelmsfeld, and Berlin, where he edited the final chapters of his first novel Noli Me Tangere.
Awarded by Ambassador Albert were the following:
1. Prof. Dr. Bernhard Dahm
Professor Emeritus, University of Passau, Germany
He popularized the study of the Philippines at the University of Passau and his book, “José Rizal: Der Nationalheld der Filipinos” immortalized the life and works of Dr. Rizal in Germany.
2. Ambassador Johann Christoph Jessen
Incumbent Ambassador of Germany to Denmark
As cultural attaché in the German Embassy in Manila, Ambassador Jessen initiated and organized the first cultural event held at the “Paco Park” in 1980 which after 30 years has maintained regular cultural performances for the general public.
3. Dr. Claudius Müller
Director, Staatliches Museum fűr Völkerkunde, Munich
He initiated and organized the first exhibition on Filipino ethnographic culture in Munich in 1980 followed by the exhibition on the treasures of the galleon “San Diego”. He wrote the books, “Morga, Rizal und Berlin” and “Die Philippinen, Perle im östlichen Meer“ ( The Philippines: Pearl of the Orient Seas).
