Historic transformation to mark end to 97 year colonialist rule of Rizalian institution
Long overdue federalization move destined to shake old establishment, bring new life, set a new direction to a “regenerated” civic-minded body of Knights and Ladies
Quietly and without causing so much as a stir,a small band of warmed hearted and courageous Knights of Rizal and Ladies from different chapters in the Greater Toronto Area, ventured out to brave typical Canadian sub-zero temperatures on a late February night in order to meet and make history.
In a little room of a popular and ubiquitous coffee shop in an unpretentious part of Scarborough, the group of ten came Thursday the 28th, to formalize what has for five long and agonizing years eluded the reformists and those who desperately sought for a solution to the protracted leadership crisis and endless string of problems that paralyzed the Knights of Rizal since 2002.
The momentous occasion, penned in a simple “Declaration of Freedom”,dramatically signified their release from what they claimed as colonial mentality that propped an autocratic, antiquated, ineffective and sterile management by the elected leaders based in Manila.
The document also symbolized a much needed relief from the horrendous angst brought on by uncivilized infighting among members in Canada, Europe, the Middle East and the Philippines. As a consequence of the declaration it is expected that the federalists involved in the intramurals will burry the hatchet and move on in their crusade for Rizalism.
Short of an actual call for what may be characterized as revolution, the decision to initiate the federalization of the 10,000 strong global voluntary civic organization founded in 1911 is revolutionary. The declaration, supported by some members in other countries, correctly claims that one of the major shortcomings and hence the cause of its ills, is the fact that the fraternal organization is structured and run like an imperial power ruling over colonies in other countries. The overseas chapters are not represented in the decision making process and have no voice over matters affecting their own interests.
The historic one-page document also premised that since the foreign chapters are outside of the legal jurisdiction of the ruling council in the Philippines, the only fair, just, equitable and practical solution to the impasse is to recognize the autonomy of the chapters and treat them as equals in a federalized International Council.
Once the champions of what was from the beginning a lost cause - reforms - the leaders of the federalization initiative did not realize themselves that the need was not after all reformation in bits and pieces but a complete transformation of the whole. Fact is, considering its changed circumstances from ninety seven years ago federalization of the fraternity is the inevitable result of a necessary and natural evolutionary process that should have been addressed early on when it has started to spread to other countries.
The founders did not see as far as 2008 and they did not envision a globalized organization of Knights of Rizal at any time. The out of date organizational structure is now inappropriate, the statutes inapplicable and the current leadership is enamored with the benefits of clinging on to colonial authority.
The momentous February event is a major step taken by a few for a majority that has yet to hear and understand the motive and rationale for the action. The initiators do not anticipate a massive or immediate rally by the members to their side and they anticipate an equally drastic reaction from the establishment in Manila.
According to Sir Jun Zerrudo, Coordinator of the now defunct Knights of Rizal Movement and interim leader of the Federation, “while the long term future is bright, the road to full participation by the members will be fraught with obstacles and big challenges”. He added that they “are ready to face those challenges with a challenge of our own - that of an aggressive campaign for the members to respond” to what he described as “A Call to Glory!”.
(More information about the International Federation of Knights of Rizal will be posted soon in its website which is presently under construction.)
Please check out: www.rizalcanada.org
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