Children’s virtual field trip traces Rizal’s European travels

WASHINGTON D.C. – Filipino American students, teachers and parents went on a virtual field trip around the world to learn about Dr. Jose Rizal’s travels and legacy at  Sentro Rizal’s fourth anniversary celebration on June 27 at the  Philippine Embassy.

During the hour-and-a-half online tour, junior travelers aged 7-12 years old virtually explored Madrid, Paris, Berlin, Brussels, and Manila from the comfort of their own homes.

The virtual field trip focused on Dr. Rizal’s journey during his early years and how it inspired his numerous contributions to the Philippines and eventual publication of what became a strong inspiration of the Philippine independence movement.

Co-hosting “Children’s Tour: Virtual Field Trip on Rizal’s Travels and Legacy” with Sentro Rizal Washington D.C. were the United Federation of Fil-Am Educators (UNIFFIED) Maryland Chapter and the Ayala Museum in celebrating this year’s anniversary through

“Sentro Rizal serves as a balangay that brings overseas Filipinos and their children closer to their roots by instilling a strong sense of nationhood, a holistic understanding of their ancestry, and the bayanihan spirit of a Filipino,” said Philippine Jose Manuel G. Romualdez in a statement.

Ayala Museum combines conventional and unconventional styles of learning by using online tools (e.g. google maps, youtube, and zoom), fun interactive activities, and a tour of its collection.

At the end of the tour, the trip-goers, particularly the students, wrote their own personal letters addressed to Dr. Rizal, and shared how they learned a better appreciation and understanding of Philippine history and culture by learning the life of a Philippine national hero.