INTRAMUROS, Manila – The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in coordination with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Philippines, Department of Tourism and Intramuros Administration will hold a formal turnover ceremony and relaunching of Special Exhibit “Rizal in Wilhelmsfeld” on 8 February 2024, 2:00 p.m. at the Museo ni Jose Rizal Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila. The said exhibit was initially opened to the public on 19 June 2021 in commemoration of the 160th Birth Anniversary of Jose Rizal.
Guest of Honor will be Senator Loren B. Legarda, H.E. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Philippines and Dr. Fritz Hack Ullmer, descendant of Pastor Karl Ullmer and donor of the featured heritage objects used by Rizal during his stay in Wilhelmsfeld, Germany in 1886.
Opening remarks will be given by NHCP Chairman Dr. Emmanuel Franco Calairo, to be followed by a speech from Dr. Fritz Hack Ullmer. Special messages will be given by Senator Loren Legarda and H.E. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke. This will be followed by a response speech to be given by Ms. Esther Azurin, descendant of Jose Rizal.
The second part of the program will be the relaunch of the exhibit “Rizal in Wilhelmsfeld,” featuring the bed and desk used by Rizal, exhibited in 2021. Additional heritage possessions like board game table, violin, walking sticks, wall clock, pitcher and plates used by Rizal in Germany during his stay in Wilhelmsfeld, Germany in 1886 were also donated by Dr. Fritz Hack-Ullmer to the Commission. Ribbon cutting will be done by Senator Legarda, Ambassador Pfaffernoschke, NHCP Chairman Escalante and heritage donor Dr. Ullmer.
Other attendees include Atty. Joan Padilla, Administrator of Intramuros Administration, staff members of the Embassy of Germany, and other descendants of the Rizal family.
The NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote and preserve Philippine history through its museums, research and publication, and preserve historical heritage through conservation and the marking of historic sites and structures. (NHCP)