José Rizal Heritage Award 2025 Honors Outstanding Laureates in Basel

Press Release from Jose Rizal Heritage Fund Switzerland, submitted by Donna Avellana Kuenzler

From left to right:  Sir Stephan U. Breu, KGOR (Co-President of JRHA); Hon. Donna May A. Künzler; Hon. Elena Kupreeva; Hon. Dr. Faith Verhaegen; Hon. Prof. Dr. Elmar Kuhn; Hon. Christian Schneider; Hon. Prof. François Antony; Hon. Omer Kobiljak; Lady Estrelleta Borda Ruppert, LCR (Co-President of JRHA)

Basel, Switzerland — October 25, 2025. The José Rizal Heritage Award (JRHA) celebrated its 2025 Gala Night at the historic Hotel Victoria, Basel, recognizing distinguished laureates whose work exemplifies the ideals of Dr. José Rizal; courage, scholarship, service, and cross-cultural understanding. The evening brought together diplomats, community leaders, scholars, and friends of the Filipino and Swiss communities. 

The ceremony was graced by H.E. Bernard Faustino La Madrid Dy, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein, H.R.H. Prince Noah de Nassau of Luxembourg and his mother, the former Princess of Luxembourg, Dame Tessy Antony de Nassau, who also acts as a Member of the Board of the José Rizal Heritage Fund Switzerland. Their presence highlighted the Award’s mission to inspire intergenerational leadership in humanitarian work and education. 

Image left to right: The Board of the José Rizal Heritage Fund Switzerland at  the José Rizal Heritage Award Gala Night 2025: Dame Tessy Antony de Nassau, Sir Stephan U. Breu,  KGOR, and Lady Estrelleta Borda Ruppert, LCR; The Co-Presidents of the José Rizal Heritage Fund and José Rizal Heritage Award, Sir Stephan U. Breu, KGOR and Lady Estrelleta Borda Ruppert, LCR, lead with vision and grace, working hand in hand to celebrate those  who carry forward the legacy of Dr. José Rizal through faith, culture, and service.

Co-presidents Lady Estrelleta Borda Ruppert, LCR (President of Las Damas de Rizal Switzerland) and Sir Stephan U. Breu, KGOR (Area Commander Switzerland of the Knights of Rizal) led the festivities. Their stewardship continues the tradition of honoring individuals and institutions whose contributions “resonate with the ideas and legacy of Dr. José Rizal.” 

Laureates of 2025 

• Prof. Dr. Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard — Science & Technology: Nobel laureate and pioneer of developmental genetics in Drosophila and zebrafish; founder of the Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard Foundation supporting young female scientists with children; award accepted on her behalf by Prof. Dr. Ralf Uwe Peter. 

• Donna May Avellana Künzler — Sustainable Economy: Procurement and digital-transformation leader at ABB; delivers global process excellence, risk & controls, and innovation across complex, multinational operations. 

• François Antony — Educational Services: Educator and community advocate supporting immigrant and refugee students in Luxembourg; longtime civic leader dedicated to inclusion and social equity. 

• Prof. Dr. Elmar Kuhn — Humanitarian Services: Theologian and interfaith ethicist; drives relief and religious-freedom work through Christians Help in Need and international dialogue initiatives. 

• Christian & Christine Schneider — Humanitarian Services: Founders of Onesimo ministries in the Philippines; decades aiding street children and families through education, rehabilitation, and community programs.

• Omer Kobiljak — Cultural Achievements & Music: Swiss tenor with leading roles at Zurich Opera, La Scala, Salzburg Festival, and Monte-Carlo; acclaimed for lyrical power and versatility. 

• Elena Kupreeva — Cultural Achievements: Contemporary artist with international exhibitions and charitable projects (e.g., Kids Create); featured in major magazines and art platforms. 

• Dr. Faith A. Nuñez Verhaegen — Humanitarian Services: Dentist coordinating long-running Philippine dental missions, disaster relief, and Happy Teeth Foundation outreach for underserved and indigenous communities. 

Program Highlights 

The evening opened with welcome speeches followed by on-stage recognition of the 2025 laureates. Cultural highlights followed with the Pearl of the Orient Dancers, presenting three iconic Filipino pieces: the Subli from the Batangas region, the Kakawati Dance from the Ilocos region, and the Kapa Malong-Malong of the Maranao people of Mindanao. The gala then turns to sustainable fashion with a spotlight on MUSA banana-fiber couture, an advocacy founded by designer Ms. Joy Soo that empowers women through weaving with banana and abacá fibers, a project that began in Davao del Norte and has since grown into a social-enterprise movement. The showcase in Basel is presented by the Swiss Representative of the House of Musa, Ms. Janine Rölli, underscoring JRHA’s commitment to innovation, circularity and community livelihoods.

The evening concluded with a charity auction of the painting “Der letzte Tanz” by Swiss artist Urim Ramazani, in support of a banana-plantation project for the indigenous community in Umayam, Agusan del Sur, realized by the José Rizal Heritage Fund Switzerland. 

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About the José Rizal Heritage Award 

Founded in Switzerland in 2023, the José Rizal Heritage Award is administered by the founders Lady Estrelleta Borda Ruppert, LCR and Sir Stephan U. Breu, KGOR through the José Rizal Heritage Award Organization. The Award recognizes individuals and institutions worldwide whose achievements uphold Dr. José Rizal’s enduring values - education, civic responsibility, and service to humanity.