Historical Markers Unveiled at Jose Rizal Monuments Across Canada

Officials of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), Brampton City officials, Knights of Rizal and other Filipino community organizations at the newly unveiled Jose Rizal Historical Marker in Brampton

TORONTO 27 June 2025 —  As part of the continuing celebration of Dr. Jose Rizal's 164th birth anniversary, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto led the unveiling of official historical markers at three Rizal monument sites in Canada from 19-21 June 2025.

In Winnipeg, Manitoba last 19 June 2025, the unveiling was attended by Philippine Honorary Consul Ronaldo Opina, officials of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) led by Chair Regalado Trota Jose, Jr., Member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly Cindy Lamoureux, Point Douglas Councillor Lady Vivian Santos, and officers and members of the Knights of Rizal-Winnipeg Chapter and other Filipino community organizations. The Rizal monument in Winnipeg was built in August 2020. 

In Brampton, Ontario last 20 June 2025, the unveiling of the Rizal monument built in June 2023 was attended by representatives of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto led by Consul General Angelica C. Escalona, officials of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) led by Chair Regalado Trota Jose, Jr., Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, Councillor Rowena Santos, Councillor Gurpartap Singh Toor, and officers and members of the Knights of Rizal and other Filipino community organizations.

In her remarks, Consul General Escalona expressed gratitude to Mayor Brown, the city government and the people of Brampton for honoring Filipino migrants by allowing the installation of a Rizal monument. She also thanked the Knights of Rizal for promoting the legacy of Dr. Rizal. 

In the City of Niagara Falls in Ontario Province last 21 June 2025, the unveiling of the seventh Rizal monument in Canada was attended by Canadian officials, officials of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto led by Consul General Angelica C. Escalona, officials of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) led by Chair Regalado Trota Jose, Jr.  and members of the Filipino community. The unveiling was part of the commemoration of the 164th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal. 

The unveiling of the Rizal monument in Niagara Falls is historic as it is located in the only place in Canada which was verified to have been visited by Dr. Rizal. The historical marker, which was donated by NHCP, attests that Dr. Rizal visited the falls on 12 May 1888. The bust of Dr. Rizal was sculpted by multi-awarded Filipino visual artist Abdulmari “Toym” Imao, who was present during the unveiling.

In her remarks, Consul General Escalona said that the monument, which overlooks the Falls, “is truly special because we feel that connection with Dr. Rizal.  We can see what he saw, and we can feel the awe and wonder that he undoubtedly felt when he saw the majestic Niagara Falls. It inspires us to discover the hero within us.”      

The Filipino community lobbied with the city government for the construction of the monument for more than two decades. They were emotional and ecstatic during the unveiling. The Filipino-Canadian Association of Niagara and the Jose Rizal Memorial Committee (JRMC), together with other community organizations, coordinated closely with the concerned agencies and undertook a fundraising campaign to realize the installation of the monument and historical marker.

Mr. Rodrigo Cuizon, Chair of the JRMC, emphasized that the monument is important to remind Filipinos in Canada, especially the youth, of their heritage. “We would like the youth to be inspired by the teachings of our national hero as they are the hope of the future according to Dr. Rizal,” Mr. Cuizon said. END

The Filipino Community together with officials of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and Canadian officials at the newly unveiled Rizal Monument and Historical Marker (photo courtesy of Mr. Dennis Bustos)

National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chair Regalado Trota Jose, Jr. (center) with Consul General Angelica C. Escalona (left of Chair Trota), Canadian officials and the Filipino community unveiling the Rizal monument and Historical Marker

First row, seated (left to right) NHCP Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo, NHCP Chair Jose, Niagara Parks Commission Chair Bob Gale, Consul General Escalona, and Jose Rizal Memorial Committee Chair Rodrigo Cuizon signing the Certificate of Transfer and Acceptance of the Historical Marker

National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chair Regalado Trota Jose, Jr. (4th from left) with local officials, the Knights of Rizal and Filipino Community organizations at the unveiling of the historical marker

For more information, visit https://www.torontopcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philcongen-toronto.com, https://www.facebook.com/PHinToronto/  or https://twitter.com/PHinToronto.