By Anton Lutter
The Philippine Independence Day celebration in Vilvoorde was held on Saturday, June 20, 2026. The event featured – at the Three Fountains Domain Fontigny – a full day of cultural performances, Filipino cuisine, and festive activities. It also included an official Overseas Voting Registration drive conducted by the Philippine Embassy, providing attendees with the opportunity to register for overseas voting.
The Belgium Area of Knights of Rizal attended with al large delegation and presentation stand under the leadership of Sir Geert Verhagen, KGOR Area Commander of Belgium. Also in attendance were the European Regional Commander Sir Johnny Villa, KGOR and former Regional Commanders Sir Tony Guansing, KGCR and Sir Albert Arevalo, KGOR.
Philippines Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union H.E. Mr. Jaime Ledda, cited the message by President Ferdinand Marcos jr on the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippines Independence (12 June): “ As we honor this day, we are reminded that freedom is not merely a legacy we inherit but a responsibility we must uphold. While our forebears fought colonial oppression through revolution, reform, and intellectual resistance, we face challenges of a different kind today.
We must protect truth from distortion, harness technology wisely, and restore trust in a time increasingly marked by division and distrust. How we respond to these demands will shape the course of our nation and define what we pass on to future generations. As we continue to write our national story, we pay tribute to the heroes who secured our liberty and to the countless Filipinos who have devoted their lives to advancing the common good. May this occasion deepen our understanding of the past and inspire a renewed sense of duty to our country.
Through active citizenship, good governance, and solidarity, may we continue building a Bagong Pilipinas worthy of the sacrifices that secured our sovereignty and of the dreams and aspirations that gave birth to our Republic. I wish everyone a meaningful Independence Day celebration”
Ambassador Ledda welcoming all guests including Knights of Rizal from Netherlands. Between 2013-2020 he served as ambassador in the Netherlands where in his residency the first chapter of Knights of Rizal was chartered in 2015, initiated by the current Area Commander in the Netherlands Sir Anton Lutter, KCR.
The Dutch delegation in Vilvoorde included former – Deputy Area Commander Sir Chris Kopp, KCR, Amsterdam Chapter Commander Sir Mark Hernandez, KCR and The Hague Chapter Chancellor Sir Eduard Slootweg, KR. The friendship between the Belgians and Dutch is well known, highlighted recently by a visit of Belgian knights to the Philippines Embassy in The Hague.
