French PM’s wife receives Rizal Medal

MANILA, Philippines - Order of the Knights of Rizal (OKOR) Supreme Commander Reghis M. Romero II has awarded the Rizal Women of Malolos medal on French Prime Minister’s wife Brigitte Ayrault in Paris, France.

“The Filipinos have a kind heart,” said Madame Ayrault as she thanked Filipinos for giving her the Rizal Women of Malolos Award.  “I will cherish this award.”

The rites were held last May 29 at the Hotel Matignon, the official residence of French Prime Minister Jean Marc Ayrault. The French leader officially received the Romero-led OKOR delegation accompanied by Philippine Ambassador to France Christine Ortega.

Madame Ayrault was cited for her exemplary gesture of giving hope to poor Filipino kids as represented by the 25 members of a street children choir which traveled to France and performed at the opening of a major art exhibit in Paris on her own invitation.

The choir members are beneficiaries of the Virlanie Foundation, a non-government organization working for the welfare of Filipino street children. The foundation was founded by another Frenchman - social worker and Virlanie president Dominique Lemay.

The exhibit, which runs up to July 14 this year at the Musee des Arts Premiers du Quai Branly, is titled “Philippines: Archipel des echanges (Philippines: An Archipelago of Exchange)” and features Philippine artwork and artifacts on a grand scale. It also showcased the Filipino talents inherent even among the poorest of the poor.          

The grand exhibition is the first major event of its kind to showcase the Philippines in France in the last 20 years.

Such development came about with the signing of an agreement between PM Ayrault and President Aquino on the holding of the exhibit aimed at giving the world a glimpse of the archipelago’s arts and culture already existing even before the Europeans set foot on its shores.

It was during that visit to Manila on Oct. 19 last year that Madame Ayrault and the French PM came across and got entertained by the street children choir.

“France loves the Philippines so much. They love the 25 singing street children from your country. The Prime Minister and I hold a personal affection for Filipinos,” Madame Ayrault said.

“They (street children) were able to come to France and sing their hearts out. They were inspired and they found hope. When they were back in the Manila, they were new persons. Now they know that there is always a new day to make dreams a reality, that there are people who care, and that they have a full life to live,” Romero said. “One lady gave them that.”

Just recently, Madame Ayrault has been invited by Ambassador Ortega to a special celebration at the Philippine embassy in Paris.

The celebration was held in advance of the International Women’s Day and featured the works of Filipino fashion designer Dita Sandico-Ong.

On that occasion, Madame Ayrault also spoke about the street children of Manila, citing the need for education as the principal means to protect their rights as well as their aspirations.

The Order of the Knights of Rizal is a legislated organization created to honor and uphold the ideals of Jose Rizal. Established on Dec. 30, 1911, the organization was granted a legislative charter by the President of the Philippines as a civic and patriotic organization on June 14, 1951 by Republic Act 646.

Since its founding the organization has grown worldwide with chapters located in Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, France (four chapters), Czech Republic, Germany, Thailand, and the US. Its international headquarters is located along Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila.