22 June 2023, SYDNEY – In celebration of the 162nd Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine National Hero, Philippine Ambassador to Australia H.E. Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega and Sir Elihu A. Ybañez, KGCR joined the Knights of Rizal Australia, New Zealand and Oceania (KOR-ANZO) Region in its 3rd General Assembly on 18 June 2023 at Bankstown, New South Wales. Sir Ybañez is the Immediate Past Supreme Commander of the Knights of Rizal and Member, Council of Elders of Knights of Rizal Headquarters Manila.

The assembly was attended by officers and members of the different Knights of Rizal and Kababaihang Rizalista Inc. (KRI) chapters in Sydney and Canberra and the three newly established KOR chapters in Melbourne.

In her remarks, Ambassador De La Vega thanked the Knights of Rizal ANZO Region and the Kababaihang Rizalista for being active partners of the Embassy and Consulates in promoting the legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal. She expressed her appreciation for their contributions in raising awareness on Philippine history, culture and heritage through their dedication in organizing activities to commemorate important events of Dr. Rizal’s life. The Ambassador also commended the success of the KOR in establishing new chapters in different States of Australia. She encouraged them to continue their endeavours to impart Dr. Rizal’s ideals and aspirations to younger generations.

The KOR Supreme Council represented by Sir Elihu Ybañez KGCR, awarded a Medal of Recognition to Ambassador Ma. Hellen De La Vega and Lady Michelle Baltazar for their commitment and dedication in their respective Kababaihang Rizalista Chapters. Ambassador De La Vega is the Adviser of the KRI Canberra chapter while Ms. Baltazar is the President of the KRI Sydney Chapter. -- END