Advisories & News
Press Release
PCG Toronto honors Filipino-Canadians behind first full-size statue of Dr. Jose Rizal in Canada
2020-07-20
PR 31 – 2020
09 July 2020 Toronto, Ontario – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto officials, led by Consul General Orontes Castro, paid tribute to two prominent Filipino-Canadians who made significant contributions in promoting Filipino culture and identity in Markham City and providing assistance to Filipino nationals.
Consul General Castro presented certificates of appreciation to Mr. Ignacio “Mogi” Mogado, sculptor, and to former Markham City Councillor Alex Chiu, at a ceremony held in Mr. Chiu’s residence in Markham City on 26 June 2020. Mr. Mogado created the six feet tall, bronze statue of Dr. Rizal, now standing at the Luneta Gardens, Boxgrove Community Park in Markham City. As Councillor of Markham City for 33 years and leader of various organizations, Mr. Chiu organized and directed numerous programs and activities that made Filipinos and Filipino-Canadians proud of their heritage. He led the naming of Rizal Avenue, Manila Avenue and Luzon Avenue in Markham City, in honor of the national hero of the Philippines, Dr. Jose Rizal, the Capital City of the Philippines, Manila, and the largest and most populous island in the Philippines, Luzon, respectively. Mr. Chiu was also responsible for raising funds to install the life-size statue of Dr. Rizal at the Luneta Gardens, Markham City. He also assisted in establishing a “Rainbow Center” in the City to address the concerns of Filipino household service workers as early as 1987. Messrs. Chiu and Mogado are both Knights Commander of Rizal of the Knights of Rizal (KOR) Markham Chapter.
Also in attendance at the event were Deputy Consul General Edna May Lazaro, Consul Edwin Gil Mendoza, Cultural Officer Cecile Santos, Alicia, Mr. Chiu’s wife, Cherry-Marie, Mr. Chiu’s daughter, Sir Jose “Joe” Damasco, KGOR, Regional Commander of the KOR Canada Region, Sir Jimmy Marasigan, KGOR, Adviser of KOR Canada Region, and Yolanda Ladines, President of the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians. -END
