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Jose Rizal's 'Noli Me Tangere' set for Arabic translation

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ABS-CBN Lifestyle

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770878909740historia obscura-17.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Jose Rizal&#x27;s &#x27;Noli Me Tangere&#x27; set for Arabic translation. Handout</div>MANILA — The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) reaffirmed its support for expanding access to Philippine historical literature as it joined the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad in signing a memorandum of agreement for the Modern Standard Arabic translation of “Noli Me Tangere.”The agreement was signed February 9 at the NHCP Building along T.M. Kalaw Avenue in Ermita, Manila, in partnership with the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad and the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Office of Cultural Diplomacy.The project aims to make Dr. Jose Rizal’s 1887 novel accessible to Arabic-speaking audiences. Originally written in Spanish, “Noli Me Tangere” is regarded as a foundational work of Philippine literature and nationalism, depicting social injustices during the Spanish colonial period.In his remarks, NHCP chairman Regalado Trota Jose Jr. underscored the initiative’s significance.“This Arabic-translated edition of ‘Noli Me Tangere’ is intended for readers from Arabic-speaking nations, some of which are represented here today,” Jose said. “Although a work of fiction, Rizal’s novel powerfully captures the Philippines’ aspirations for equality and freedom during the Spanish colonial era.”Following the signing, the NHCP launched “Historia Obscura: The Philippines in the 16th and 17th Century in Portuguese Sources, Volumes 1 and 2.” The publication, authored and edited by Paulo Jorge de Sousa Pinto, Miguel Rodrigues Lourenço, Pedro Pinto and Jeremy Roe, compiles Portuguese archival documents on early Philippine history.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770878996038historia obscura-05.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>The NHCP launches &#x27;Historia Obscura: The Philippines in the 16th and 17th Century in Portuguese Sources, Volumes 1 and 2.&#x27; Handout</div>Jose said the project makes valuable historical materials more accessible to scholars, researchers and students.“We also celebrate the completion of the two-volume book project ‘Historia Obscura,’ which contains 16th- and 17th-century Portuguese documents about the Philippines,” he said. “Through this project, these important historical records are made available to the public, particularly to our scholars and students of history.”Both initiatives are part of broader commemorative efforts leading to the 2030 Year of Philippine Muslim History and Heritage and Dekada ng Kasaysayan 2026: Year of Philippine Diplomatic History and Diaspora. The programs aim to strengthen historical awareness, promote cultural exchange and deepen international engagement.The event was attended by representatives from Libya, Saudi Arabia, Portugal and Qatar, as well as officials from the National Library of the Philippines, the University of the Philippines Diliman, the University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University, and the public libraries of Quezon City and Manila.Copies of “Historia Obscura” were distributed to participating institutions.

he National Commission for Culture and the Arts joined the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad in signing a memorandum of agreement for the Modern Standard Arabic translation of 'Noli Me Tangere.'

he National Commission for Culture and the Arts joined the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad in signing a memorandum of agreement for the Modern Standard Arabic translation of ' Noli Me Tangere .'