Mitra Leviste (2nd from left) with friends in Wilhelmsfeld, Germany | Photo via Central Luzon Turismo
MANILA — Representative Leandro Antonio Legarda “Mitra” Leviste has purchased the historic German house in Wilhelmsfeld where national hero Dr. José Rizal completed chapters of Noli Me Tángere, a move widely praised by historians and cultural advocates as a “landmark act of preservation.”
Leviste, 33, who currently represents Batangas’s 1st congressional district, said the acquisition reflects his commitment to preserving sites tied to the country’s intellectual heritage.
The property, known locally as the Pastor Ullmer House, served as Rizal’s residence in 1886 while he refined key sections of the novel that would ignite Filipino nationalism. Leviste confirmed the acquisition over the weekend, calling it “a responsibility to protect a cornerstone of our identity.”
Leviste: ‘This home belongs to every Filipino.’
In a statement posted to his official channels, Leviste said: “Rizal’s time in Wilhelmsfeld shaped the spirit of Noli Me Tángere. Preserving this home ensures future generations can stand where he stood and feel the weight of his ideas.”
Leviste added that the property will undergo careful restoration beginning late 2026, with plans to open it as a Philippine‑run museum by mid‑2027.
“We will honor Rizal’s legacy with a space that is historically faithful, educational, and accessible to Filipinos worldwide,” he said.
Historians, diaspora groups welcome the move
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) praised the acquisition, noting that the Wilhelmsfeld home is “one of the most intact European sites connected to Rizal’s intellectual formation.” NHCP Chairperson Lisa Guerrero Nakpil said in a radio interview:
“This is a rare opportunity. Few countries can reclaim a physical space where their national hero wrote a foundational text.”
Filipino communities in Germany also expressed support. The Filipino Catholic Community of Heidelberg wrote on Facebook: “We are grateful that a Filipino leader has taken steps to preserve this sacred place in our shared history.”
Public reaction: pride, relief, and renewed interest in Rizal
On social media, many Filipinos described the purchase as “long overdue.” Cultural advocate Xiao Chua posted: “Rizal’s Wilhelmsfeld home is not just a house — it is a chapter of our awakening. This is a victory for heritage.”
Others emphasized the educational potential. A teacher from Quezon City commented, “Imagine bringing students to the very room where Rizal wrote. This will deepen their understanding more than any textbook.”
As restoration plans move forward, Leviste said he hopes the museum will become “a bridge between Europe and the Filipino soul,” ensuring that Rizal’s legacy continues to resonate across continents.
