Frankfurt, Germany – Senator Loren Legarda celebrated the enduring impact of Dr. Jose Rizal’s works during the launch of the German editions of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo at the 77th Frankfurt Book Fair, held from 15 to 19 October 2025. The event formed part of the Philippines’ Guest of Honour program, offering a global platform for Filipino literature and culture.
Addressing an international audience, Legarda expressed gratitude to Suhrkamp Verlag, Morio Verlag, and the translators and scholars who brought Rizal’s novels to German readers. “Rizal continues to speak to the world, not as a cry of the oppressed, but as an invitation to dialogue between past and present, between nations, and between cultures committed to the common good,” she said.
As chair of the Senate Committee on Culture and the Arts, Legarda emphasized the significance of presenting the translations in Frankfurt, near Berlin and Ghent, where Rizal’s works were first published more than a century ago. She noted that the novels remain relevant because they address issues such as global injustice, elite indifference, and the erosion of truth. “Rizal believed that reform begins with the mind. Knowledge is the first act of resistance,” she explained.
Legarda described the launch as a moment of cultural renewal. “This is an act of renewal. A promise that our stories, when shared beyond our borders, can still change lives and nations,” she said. She encouraged Filipinos abroad to draw inspiration from Rizal’s legacy and invited German readers to approach the translations as bridges to understanding Philippine history and society.
Quoting Crisostomo Ibarra, Rizal’s alter ego in Noli Me Tangere, Legarda concluded with a reflection on moral responsibility: “I seek truth by means of study, for I wish to be human.” She added, “To learn is to live with purpose. Our shared humanity is strengthened each time we seek truth, justice, and compassion.”
The German editions solidifies the global relevance of Rizal’s writings, illustrating how Philippine literature continues to engage audiences worldwide. Initiatives such as the Philippine Studies Program help ensure that Filipino voices remain influential in cultural and academic discussions across the globe.