President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (Photo from Bongbong Marcos’ Facebook page)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. evoked the memory of national hero Jose Rizal before his trip to Germany and the Czech Republic on Monday.
“Both of these states share an affinity for our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal. Jose Rizal’s affection for Germany and its people is evident in his many travels around his world,” said Marcos in his speech.
Marcos said Rizal’s magnum opus “Noli Me Tangere” was first published in Germany. While in Prague in the Czech Republic, he also met a kindred spirit in Austrian teacher Ferdinand Blumentritt.
“I look onto my trip to the Center of Europe with anticipation and optimism for the opportunities to be explored and for our friendship with the German and Czech nations to be affirmed and strengthened,” said Marcos.
The president will be in Germany and the Czech Republic from March 11 to 15.