Advisories & News
Press Release
PCG Toronto attends Commemorative Events of the 123rd Death Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal in the GTA
2020-01-14
PR NO. 01-2020
02 January 2020 Toronto, Ontario – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto attended two commemorative events of the 123rd Anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ontario on 30 December 2019. Consul Edwin Gil Mendoza and ATN Officer Dennis Escobedo attended these activities in the cities of Markham and Toronto.
The morning event in Markham was highlighted by the wreath-laying ceremony at the life-sized monument of Dr. Rizal at the Luneta Gardens in front of Rizal Avenue, Markham. Officials and members of the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians led by Yolanda Ladines, President, organized the ceremony. Also in attendance were Sir Alex Chiu, former councillor of Markham City who spearheaded the project to put up the monument and Knight Commander of Rizal (KCR), and Sir Ignacio “Mogi” Mogado, KCR, Markham artist and creator of the bronze statue of Dr. Rizal. It was the first ever Rizal Day commemorative event held at the Luneta Gardens.
Another wreath-laying ceremony, organized by the Order of the Knights of Rizal (KOR) Canada Region, was held at the Dr. Rizal bust at Earl Bales Park in North York, Toronto in the afternoon. KOR Canada Regional Commander Sir Jose Damasco, KGOR, Consul Mendoza, representatives from Kababaihang Rizalista Inc. Toronto Chapter and Rizal Youth Organization (Canada Region) laid wreaths before Dr. Rizal’s bust.
A short program ensued at the nearby Earl Bales Community Center. During the event, Consul Mendoza, representing Consul General Orontes Castro, handed over certificates of appreciation to Sir Jose Damasco and Sir Delfin Palileo, KCR. KOR officials and guest speakers who played a huge role in the successful 6th KOR Canada Regional Assembly in Montreal, Quebec in September 2019 were also recognized during the program. -END
