The Sentro Rizal in Cairo was inaugurated on 29 December 2015 marking the 119th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal.
The Philippine Embassy in Egypt partnered with the National Commission of Culture and Arts (NCCA), a government agency in the Philippines tasked to implement the Sentro Rizal program under Republic Act 10066 known as the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.
About Sentro Rizal - Egypt
Republic Act 10066 or the National Heritage Act, is dedicated to the promotion of Philippine arts, culture and language throughout the world through its branches overseas, especially where there are large Filipino communities. The Sentro Rizal – Cairo, located at the ground floor of the Philippine Embassy chancery, is a library containing resource materials on Philippine culture, as well as a center and venue for programs, projects and activities that are geared towards promoting Philippine culture in Egypt.
On 29 December 2015, the Philippine Embassy inaugurated the ‘Sentro Rizal’ and marked the 119th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at a ceremony cum seminar held at the Embassy Chancery. The inauguration ceremony was witnessed by NCCA Board of Commissioners, diplomats, National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose and the keynote speaker of the said event, Senator Edgardo J. Angara.
In 2015, the Embassy donated a bust of Dr. Jose Rizal to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Alexandria, the biggest and most prestigious library in Egypt.
Sentro Rizal aims to promote Philippine arts, culture, and language around the world through the establishment of Philippine centers in various countries. By engaging the international community in the centers’ cultural projects, activities, and resource materials, Sentro Rizal seeks to:
Deepen understanding and enhance appreciation of the Philippines and Filipino culture
Generate and nurture culturally literate and participative communities of overseas Filipinos; and
Foster mutual understanding and stimulate partnerships between Filipinos and non-Filipino residents of the host countries.