...the Rizal Center in Spain

Sentro Rizal: A Philippine cultural exhibit in Spain

By HANNAH L. TORREGOZA

June 12, 2011

MANILA, Philippines -- Sentro Rizal, the first Philippine institution that would showcase the country's arts, culture and language to the world opened Sunday in Madrid, Spain.

Sen. Edgardo Angara, chair of the Senate committee on Education, Culture and the Arts, led the opening of Sentro Rizal which was created under the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 he and Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara had authored.


Named after the country's national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the center aims to promote the Philippine heritage across the world in the same way the France, Spain and Germany did with Alliance Francaise, Spain with Instituto Cervantes and Goethe-Institut respectively.


The senator is here as the guest of honor at the Spanish capital in recognition of his untiring efforts in enhancing bilateral relations through cultural exchange, dialogue and cooperation.


Angara said branches of Sentro Rizal will be created overseas where there are large Filipino communities, especially Filipino children who need to be educated about their native country's history, culture and language.


“A Sentro Rizal will take root where there are Filipinos who wish to keep the connection with their motherland alive. It will foster understanding and friendship not only among overseas Filipinos, but also between Filipinos and foreign nationals with whom we share deep historic and cultural bonds,” Angara said.


He further said the Philippines' premier cultural institution also serves as the eponymous tribute to national hero Dr. Jose Rizal on the sesquicentennial of his birth.