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2023-08-08
Consul General Angelica C. Escalona presents members of the Filipino community in Niagara Falls with a portrait of the Philippine national hero at the proposed site of the Jose Rizal monument
Toronto, 06 August 2023 – Consul General Angelica C. Escalona visited the City of Niagara Falls recently to attend the Niagara Fiesta Extravaganza and meet the members the Filipino community in the city.
The Consul General visited on 6 August 2023 the proposed site of the Jose Rizal monument to be built in the park overlooking Niagara Falls.
In his journey across North America, Dr. Jose Rizal was able to view Niagara Falls from the Canadian side. In 1998, the National Historical Institute of the Philippines, now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, donated a historical marker that states “The national hero of the Philippines visited this magnificent falls and paused between the two rocks on May 12, 1888”.
The Filipino community in Niagara Falls worked for many years to secure approval of the installation of a Rizal monument, noting that it will be a symbol of friendship between Canada and the Philippines as well as a recognition of the many contributions Filipinos made in their adopted country. The monument will consist of the historical marker and a bronze bust of Dr. Rizal.
Consul General Escalona thanked the members of the Filipino community for their untiring efforts to ensure the realization of the project. She also thanked Mayor of Niagara Falls Jim Diodati for the city’s continued support of the Filipino community.
The Consul General said, “Dr. Rizal continues to inspire Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike all over the world to value freedom and make a difference. It would be wonderful to have a Rizal memorial next to one of the most amazing spots on earth”. (END)
The proposed site of the Jose Rizal Memorial overlooks Niagara Falls
At the background of the photo is the tree in honor of Dr. Rizal located at the Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist Plaza