PRESS RELEASE
WDC-23-2022
27 JUNE 2022
WASHINGTON D.C. – Sentro Rizal Washington D.C. of the Philippine Embassy celebrated its 4th anniversary on 27 June 2022 with selected Filipino-American students, teachers, and parents on a virtual field trip around the world to learn about Dr. Jose Rizal’s travels and legacy.
To realize this goal, Sentro Rizal Washington D.C. joined hands with the United Federation of Fil-Am Educators (UNIFFIED) Maryland Chapter and the Ayala Museum in celebrating this year’s anniversary through “Children’s Tour: Virtual Field Trip on Rizal’s Travels and Legacy”.
During the one and a half hour online tour, our junior travelers aged 7-12 years old virtually explored Madrid, Paris, Berlin, Brussels, and Manila from the comfort of their own homes. The virtual field trip focused on Dr. Rizal’s journey during his early years and how it inspired his numerous contributions to the Philippines and eventual publication of what became a strong inspiration of the Philippine independence movement.
“The Embassy, through its Sentro Rizal and with the support of valued partners such as the Ayala Museum and UNIFFIED, will continue its efforts in creating tailor-fit projects that fulfills the needs and interests of its audiences – both Filipino and non-Filipino – in our mission to enhance global appreciation for Filipino arts and culture. The Sentro Rizal serves as a balangay that brings overseas Filipinos and their children closer to their roots by instilling a strong sense of nationhood, a holistic understanding of their ancestry, and the bayanihan spirit of a Filipino.”, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said in a statement.
Ayala Museum combines conventional and unconventional styles of learning by using online tools (e.g. google maps, youtube, and zoom), fun interactive activities, and a tour of its collection.
At the end of the tour, the trip-goers, particularly the students, wrote their own personal letters addressed to Dr. Rizal, and shared how they learned a better appreciation and understanding of Philippine history and culture by learning the life of a Philippine national hero.
The Embassy expresses its appreciation to the students, parents, and teachers who shared their time to participate in this program. Sentro Rizal Washington DC endeavors to implement similar initiatives and activities for Filipino and Filipino American communities in the United States and the Caribbean. For more updates and information, regularly check the Embassy’s website and social media pages on upcoming events or contact us for future collaboration and joint projects. ###