Rizal Park, Rosemeadow, Campbelltown City, Australia
26 October 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the unveiling of the statue of Dr. Jose P. Rizal in the city of Campbelltown. The five-meter bronze statue was made and donated by well-known artist, sculptor and designer, Eduardo Castrillo, who also made the tallest monument of the national hero in Calamba City, Laguna. The sculpture monument portrays Rizal during his colorful stay in Europe, holding the first book he wrote entitled “Noli Me Tangere” as he raises his hand in readiness to the approaching “storm”.

During his speech, the President said that “the world of Jose Rizal was one in which the peoples of our part of the world could only dream of self-government. In the generations that have passed since Rizal, Filipinos and Australians alike have come to enjoy both the blessings and the promise of democracy. Democracy where the people themselves can chart their own destiny, and seek the prosperity, stability and peace they fully deserve.”

President Aquino was joined by New South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrell and some officials of Campbelltown City led by Mayor Sue Dobson. There are a total of six Dr. Jose Rizal landmarks in Australia. In New South Wales, it is located at Rizal Park in Campbelltown City plus a street named in honor of him, Blacktown, Sydney Central Station and Ashfield Park. A Rizal Park in Ballarat in the State of Victoria was also built.

*  *  *