FROM PH TO KENYA_BRIDGING LITERARY TRADITIONS THROUGH RIZAL’S WORKS

(PH Embassy in Nairobi Chargé d'affaires Maria Rosanna Josue, KNLS Head of Collection Development and Book Distribution Ms. Betty Kalugho (center), and KNLS personnel during the handover of the English versions of Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo)

 NAIROBI – The Philippine Embassy in Nairobi donated English-translated copies of Dr. Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo to Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) on 25 January 2022, in addition to its previous donation of various Filipiniana and ASEAN publications conducted on 29 October 2021. Chargé d'affaires, ad interim, Maria Rosanna Josue handed over the donations to KNLS Head of Collection Development and Book Distribution Ms. Betty Kalugho.

CDA Josue, in her remarks, provided an overview of the two novels and thanked the KNLS for another opportunity given to further promote the history and lives of Filipinos through literature. CDA Josue added that the Philippines and Kenya can learn from each other’s colonial experiences, citing that Noli MeTangere and El Filibusterismo tackle the issues of subjugation and class divide, and provide a critique of colonialism.

“In the Philippines, the youth are required to study these literary works in school because it is important for them to know their history so that they can do better things for the country when they grow, hence we share these with you,” said CDA Josue.

Ms. Kalugho conveyed her appreciation for the Embassy’s additional contribution to their library and looked forward to other possible collaborations in the future.

After the ceremony, CDA Josue, along with Cultural Officer Sherlyn Roxas, toured around the library area where the Philippine-donated books are located.

KNLS is the leading public library system in Kenya. END.