Commemoration of the 159th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal
PRESS RELEASE
PR-28-2020
PCG Toronto joins Filcommunity events celebrating the 159th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal in the Cities of Markham and Toronto
22 June 2020 Toronto, Ontario - The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto officials, led by Consul General Orontes Castro, participated in Filipino Community events celebrating the 159th Birth Anniversary of the Philippines' national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, in the Cities of Markham and Toronto on 19 June 2020.
In Markham City, the celebration was spearheaded by the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians (MFFC), led by its Co-President, Yolanda Ladines. The officials and members of MFFC, along with guests, laid bouquets of flowers in front of the six feet tall, bronze statue of Dr. Rizal, located at the Luneta Gardens, Boxgrove Community Park, Markham City. Other participants of the event were Mr. Alex Chiu, former Councillor of Markham City who initiated and led the installation of the monument of Dr. Rizal, and Mr. Ignacio "Mogi" Mogado, sculptor of said statue.
In Toronto City, the wreath-laying ceremony was organized by the Order of the Knights of Rizal (KOR) Canada Region, led by Sir Jose Damasco, KOR Canada Regional Commander. The event was held at the Dr. Rizal bust at Earl Bales Park, North York. Consul General Castro, together with KOR Canada Regional Commander Sir Jose Damasco, Knight Grand Officer of Rizal (KGOR), laid a wreath in front of Dr. Rizals bust. The other organizations who alternated in laying wreaths in small groups were KOR Past Regional Commanders and advisers, KOR Chapter Commanders, Ladies of the Knights of Rizal and Rizal Canada Youth.
In his remarks, Consul General Castro thanked the officials and members of KOR- Canada Region for leading the commemoration of the birth anniversary of our national hero despite the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that Dr. Rizal belonged to the first intellectuals in Asia who enunciated love of country, patriotism and national identity. Dr. Rizal's life and works have inspired generations of Filipinos and his legacies continue to reverberate through the present time. Consul General Castro also expressed his appreciation to the KOR for propagating Dr. Rizal's legacies not only to Filipinos but also to other nationalities in their communities.
Consul General Castro also presented one copy each of the facsimile-copy of the original manuscripts of Dr. Jose Rizal's novels, the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, to Sir Damasco. -END,
