"Lecture by President Ramos of the Philipines - Towards the Century of Humanity, Let’s learn from Dr Ikeda’s vision of peace!"
First I want to congratulate Dr. Ikeda and his family in receiving this award (The First Rizal International Peace Award). Attended by about 2,500 including President Ramos as a guest of honor.
Dr Rizal, hero of the Phillipines lived about 100 years ago, at the age of 20 traveled to Europe to study literature, medicine and philosophy. Dr Rizal spoke 22 languages. He was a poet, a professor of history and a medical doctor specializing in optometry. Dr Rizal became famous in his fight for world peace and human rights. Dr Rizal was executed at the age of 35 (1861-1896) by the militarist government fearing revolution. Rizal had a vision of development. Pres. Ramos said, "To know Dr Rizal means to know the soul of our nation" This is crucial for our future. Because of this, Dr Ikeda was chosen for this award since he epitomizes the spirit and vision of Rizal.
Ramos said that we need to learn and share Ikeda’s vision. Let us hope many people can uphold Dr Ikeda’s vision at this challenging time for Asia. Mr Kian Bao, the 2nd speaker in the ceremony after Ramos, said " the spirit of Dr Rizal is one of peace and heartfelt friendship. Mr Ikeda is just the person to receive this award. All of us are very pleased to bestow this honor upon Daisaku Ikeda.
The speakers were followed by a wonderful musical chorus of Philipine singers.
Rizal photos and captions. As an doctor, specialist in optometry, to help his mother. He cured her eye disorder completely. Even in prison he continued to volunteer as a doctor and a teacher. "the last statement" a poem - photo of Rizal on the eve before his execution.
A 30 minute, Prime-time TV show, "Knight of the Rising Sun-a portrait of Daisaku Ikeda", was aired in the Philipines, explaining why Ikeda, a Japanese citizen, was chosen for the Rizal award.
The narrator explained, "The Japanese invaded the Philipines in 1941. As you know the massacres and atrocities commited. So, why was a Japanese chosen for the Rizal award ? What kind of person is Mr Ikeda. ?" At this time, the show covered Daisaku’s life story and achievements. A caption from the show stated, "His 35 year long stormy life is a drama that will forever move and awaken the souls of humankind" "Dr. Ikeda awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Literature from the University of Manila, the first to be given to a Japanese citizen."
Mr Ikeda has made immeasurable contributions to peace, culture and education in Asia.
To this date, Dr Ikeda has been awarded 3 honorary doctorates by Philipine Universities 1. Hon. PhD of Law - Philipine National University 2. Hon. Ph.D of Humanities - Delasa University 3. Hon. Ph.D of Literature - Manila University
Manila University, founded in 1967 with about 7,000 students was the first to initiate a scholarship system and low tuition. Many students are from poor families but live up to the strict academic standards required.
Dr Ikeda received this award on Feb. 11, Josei Toda’s birthday. He said,"This is a most important day for me, my mentor’s birthday. I would like to accept this honor on behalf of my revered teacher, Josei Toda."
Soka University establishes monument to Dr. Rizal a National Hero of the Philippines
By Jerry Esplanada http://www1.inquirer.net/issues/feb98/feb13/news/t13jery1.htm , From Philippine Daily Inquirer/Interactive Edition February 13, 1998
A Japanese university has put up a shrine of Dr. Jose Rizal in its Tokyo campus in affirmation of what President Ramos called the ``bonds of friendship'' between Japan and the Philippines.
The President also described the Soka University project a ``fitting tribute'' to this year's commemoration of the centennial of Philippine independence.
Mr. Ramos cited the officers and members of the Knights of Rizal in the Japanese capital for pushing for the installation of the national hero's bust.
``(Soka University's) students, we hope, will be inspired by the ideals, courage and martyrdom of Dr. Rizal that contributed immensely to the freedom of the Philippines a century ago,'' the President said.
Dr. Daisaku Ikeda, founder of the 27-year-old Japanese institution, yesterday conferred on Mr. Ramos an honorary doctorate degree during simple rites at Malacañang.
In his remarks, the President said the ``special recognition (showed) the importance each country attaches to education and the future of its youth.''
``I trust that this occasion will increase the interchange of students between our two countries,'' he told his Japanese visitors.
He recalled that in May 1997, Dr. Ikeda was conferred an honorary degree by De La Salle University, ``bringing together in closer cooperation these two prestigious educational institutions.''
``In particular, I look forward to the departure of the first batch of Filipino students for Soka University,'' Mr. Ramos said.
He cited the Japanese school as an institution ``dedicated to developing capable and civic-spirited people with excellent judgment, a strong sense of purpose and a keen international perspective manifested by the promotion of peace for all of mankind and a continuing exchange among education, cultural and political leaders from around the globe.''
Taking into account the Asian currency crisis, the President said ``these developments require that we forge deeper cooperation and partnership with each other in the region.''
MANILA, Phillipines, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The first Rizal International Peace Award was conferred by the Order of the Knights of Rizal on Daisaku Ikeda, President of Soka Gakkai International (SGI), on Monday February 9, at Manila s Philippine International Convention Center. The award was presented by Sir Rogelio Quiambao, Supreme Commander of the Order.
The President of the Republic of the Philippines Fidel Ramos attended the conferral ceremony and gave the keynote speech.
Sir Rogelio Quiambao commented, "This award was conferred on Daisaku Ikeda in recognition of his contributions towards a more humane and peaceful world and his activities as author, poet, educator, philosopher and humanist."
The Order of the Knights of Rizal was founded in Manila in 1916, to commemorate Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero, and encourage Filipinos to follow his example. Rizal's achievements, and his execution at the age of 35 after a farcical trial, propelled the Philippine independence movement to win the first democratic and constitutional government in Asia in 1898. Rizal's writings on education, social development and the nature of freedom continue to inspire Filipinos, and his status is now recognized internationally. Sir Rogelio Quiambao added, "Through his writings, Daisaku Ikeda has introduced millions around the world to the life of Dr. Rizal. He shares Dr. Rizal's belief in the latent abilities of ordinary people, and his commitment to non-violence."
Mr. Ikeda has established several cultural and educational programs linking Japan and the Philippines, and he has stated his wish to build bonds of friendship which will help ensure peaceful relations between the two countries. He was previously awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Knights of Rizal in November 1996.
Committed to change by peaceful means, Daisaku Ikeda has met with world leaders in the fields of education, philosophy and culture, holding dialogues with Arnold Toynbee, Nelson Mandela, Mikhail Gorbachev, Professor John Galtung and Linus Pauling.
Soka Gakkai International (SGI), is a grassroots NGO movement with members in more than in 128 countries working to promote peace, culture, education and international understanding on the basis of Buddhist humanism.
``No problem is insurmountable if we work together to find and implement mutually supportive solutions and endeavors,'' he said.
Mr. Ramos emphasized that ``nowhere is the triumph of goodwill and cooperation to be more clearly seen and appreciated than in our relations with Japan and the Japanese people.''
He noted that ties between Manila and Tokyo ``in the political, economic, socio-cultural and academic spheres are broader and deeper than ever before.''
``Our ties have evolved into a mature partnership which can be intensified through greater international cooperation,'' the President said.
SOURCE Soka Gakkai International