Chinese envoy traces Rizal’s roots to China
MANILA, Philippines: Chinese Ambassador to Manila Huang Xilian on Saturday said Dr. Jose Rizal’s Chinese roots can be traced to Chou Dynasty’s patriarch, Chua Siok-To.
“While the Philippines holds a special place in the heart of her national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, his heritage extends to China, adding depth to his transnational legacy,” Huang said on Facebook.
The ambassador made the remark as the nation commemorated Rizal Day.
Huang said Domingo Lamco, Rizal’s great-grandfather and a 19th-generation member of the Cua family, settled in Siongque Village in Jianjiang, “linking Rizal to the global Sin Cua Chua clan, tracing its roots back to the Chou Dynasty’s patriarch, Chua Siok-To.”
At 35, Lamco was baptized in the Catholic Church in Manila’s Parian Chinese ghetto in June 1697, the envoy said.
Memento Maxima Digital Marketing“Thriving as a community leader in Biñan, Laguna, he (Lamco) strategically changed the family name to ‘Mercado’ to shield his descendants from Spanish anti-Chinese policies, symbolizing their mercantile origins,” Huang said.
In Jinjiang, China, the Rizal Park Square “proudly showcases” Rizal’s statue, Huang said.
“This monument not only honors the Filipino hero but also emphasizes the enduring link between Rizal’s legacy and his Chinese roots,” he said. “The rich tapestry of history, cultural exchange, and familial connections woven between the Philippines and China amplifies Dr. Jose Rizal’s global significance.”
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko on X (formerly Twitter) said he “honored Rizal Day alongside the Filipino nation.”
“Paid respects to Rizal’s monument many times, most recently during PM (Prime Minister) Kishida’s visit,” he said.
“Whenever I fly to Tokyo, a stop at Hibiya Park to honor his monument is a heartfelt tradition. Let’s carry Rizal’s legacy in our spirits,” Koshikawa posted on X.
United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson also posted on X, “Beautiful early morning at Manila’s historic Luneta Park! Honored to join President [Ferdinand] Bongbong Marcos and Filipino friends, partners, [and] allies, this Rizal Day to pay respects to Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.”
