German Government funded Conservation Project - “Dr. Jose Rizal's Original Manuscripts”

Two professional conservators from Germany, in cooperation with the National Library of the Philippines, will conduct the necessary restoration and conservation work on three original manuscripts of Dr. José Rizal’s masterpieces and the Tagalog translation of Friedrich Schiller's “Wilhelm Tell” from the end of April until mid May 2011.

The state of preservation of the novels “Noli Me Tangere”, “El Filibusterismo”, and the poem “Mi Ultimo Adios”, as well as “Guillermo Tell”, the Tagalog translation of the play “Wilhelm Tell” by Friedrich Schiller had been examined and documented in detail by experts from the Deutsches Literaturarchiv Marbach (German Literature Archive in Marbach, Germany). They recommended applicable and appropriate conservation and storage techniques in order to ensure the long-term availability of the works for posterity. Enlarge image The Embassy's First Secretary for Cultural Affairs Mr. Jürgen Schrod (left) and Atty. Antonio Santos, Director of the National Library during the signing of the Agreement on the restoration works (© National Library)

The project is funded by the Federal Government of Germany as part of its Cultural Preservation Program and by the National Library of the Philippines. It highlights Germany’s long-standing cultural relationship with the Philippines and in particular, the legacy of Dr. José Rizal. The multi-talented poet and national hero, studied in the city of Heidelberg. His famous novel “Noli Me Tangere” was first published in Berlin. He serves as a symbolic figure of the deep cultural relations between the Philippines and Germany.  

The completion of the project on time and the handing over ceremony will be an important part of this year's activities in commemoration of the 150^th birth anniversary of the national hero on June 19, 2011.

Manila, April 2011