On 26 July 2014, Ambassador Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr. attended the chartering of the Knights of Rizal Reggio Calabria chapter at the beautiful and historical Provincial Palace of Reggio Calabria. The chartering ceremony was led by Sir Rudy Nollas, Knights of Rizal Regional Commander for Europe.

Sixteen new members, six of whom are Italians and one Amercian, from Reggio Calabria and Sicily were knighted in a formal and solemn ceremony. In his remarks, Ambassador Reyes noted the growing membership in Italy of the Knights of Rizal not only among Filipinos but also among Italians.

“Dr. Jose Rizal is not only a hero for Filipinos but he can be considered a hero for everyone. His teachings and examples transcend boundaries, nationalities and generations”, said Ambassador Reyes.

He urged the new members of the Knights of Rizal to set an example to their fellow kababayans in Reggio Calabria. He further encouraged them to become “ambassadors” of the Philippines and help promote the good image of the Filipinos and the country.

The special ties between the Philippines and Reggio Calabria can be traced centuries ago when Giovanni Francesco Gemelli Careri, an adventurer and voyager from Southern Italy, travelled in the Philippines in the 17th century. Careri sailed from Macau to the Philippines where he stayed for two months while waiting for the departure of the Manila Galleon.

The Knights of Rizal Reggio Calabria Chapter is headed by Mr. Domenico Marciano’, Philippine Honorary Consul General in Reggio Calabria and Messina. Ambassador Reyes, on the other hand, is a founding member of the Knights of Rizal-Rome Chapter.

The Order of the Knights of Rizal is a civic and patriotic organization recognized by Philippine law as an instrumentality by which the teachings of Dr. Jose Rizal may be propagated among the Filipino people, and others who may believe in his teachings with the view that they may emulate and follow his examples.