06 August 2015 – The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi is pleased to announce that the Order of Knights of Rizal held the Chartering of Emarat Abu Dhabi Chapter at the Maharlika House (Ambassador’s Residence) last July 31.

Sir Zane M. Thirlwall, Regional Commander for Middle East and Africa Region of the Order of the Knights of Rizal (OKR), based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia led the knighting, exaltation and conferment ceremonies. Seventeen overseas Filipinos based in Abu Dhabi were inducted into the Emarat Abu Dhabi Chapter of the OKR during the knighting ceremony. Engr. Ernesto Refugio, long-time resident of Abu Dhabi and a well-known community leader was selected as the Chapter Commander.

Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Grace Relucio Princesa, in her inspirational message, expressed her joy and excitement that finally, a chapter of the Order of Knights of Rizal has been established in UAE where more than 500,000 Filipinos work and reside. She added that it is imperative that the ideas propagated by Rizal spread to the younger generation, particularly to the children of OFWs, who are deemed the future of the nation. She commended the members of the newly-established Emarat Abu Dhabi Chapter of the Order of the Knights of Rizal, who are already community leaders and are role models themselves. She enjoined them to continue the bayanihan spirit and challenged them to effect change among Filipinos who are facing the 5 I’s namely indebtedness, immorality, intoxication, illegal recruitment, and improper documents.

Dr. Consolacion Alaras, who has done several works on God-centered governance or Pamathalaan, was also present during the ceremonies because she was instrumental in bringing the Knights of Rizal to UAE.

In his remarks, Sir Zane Thirlwall commended both Ambassador Princesa and Dr. Alaras for their roles in the realization of Emarat Abu Dhabi. He also shared the work that the Order of the Knights of Rizal does all over the Middle East and African region. He also emphasized that Rizal, the country’s national hero is not only for the Philippines but for the world.

During the event, Philippine Consul General to Dubai Paul Raymund Cortes, a member of the Order of Knights of Rizal since he was Deputy Consul General in Honolulu, Hawaii, was elevated as Knight Officer of the OKR. Induction of officers of Emarat Abu Dhabi and officers of the Lady Auxiliary Group (Kababaihang Rizalista) with Ambassador Princesa as Commander was also conducted. END