Dr. Jose Rizal Monument Unveiled in Colorado Springs

Consul General Neil Ferrer delivers his speech beside the newly-unveiled Rizal monument (Photo courtesy of Ms. Polly Cortez of the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation)

SAN FRANCISCO 08 August 2025 - Philippine Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer attended the dedication and unveiling ceremony of the Dr. Jose Rizal monument at the George Fellows Park in Colorado Springs, Colorado on 27 July 2025.

The event was organized by the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation, and was graced by descendants of Dr. Jose Rizal namely, Ms. Bambi Virata and Ms Claire Pinto. Representative Jeff Crank of Colorado’s Fifth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives and Honorary Consul Donna LaVigne were also in attendance.

Consul General Ferrer commended the Foundation and proponents of the Rizal Monument Project, the government of Colorado and City of Colorado Springs, and the various individuals and Filipino American organizations who collaborated for the installation of the six-foot bronze Rizal monument.

Furthermore, Consul General Ferrer highlighted the Foundation’s role as a steadfast advocate and partner in preserving Dr. Jose Rizal’s memory translated through various programs in education, cultural initiatives, and social projects to inspire the younger generations to embrace Rizal’s ideals and contribute meaningfully to the community.

Consul General Ferrer also attended the Bayanihan Gala organized by the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation in the evening of 27 July. The gala, which highlights the spirit of bayanihan, was marked with a variety of cultural performances which showcased Philippine culture and tradition.

In his keynote address at the gala, Consul General Ferrer underscored the meaning of bayanihan and commended the people and organizations behind the Rizal monument project.

Consul General Ferrer said: “The Rizal memorial is not a work of one person alone. It is the result of collaboration and the unwavering dedication of many like-minded individuals and organizations who share a common vision: to create a powerful collective impact that echoes Dr. Jose Rizal’s dream of a more enlightened, compassionate, and just world. This effort is a true embodiment of bayanihan-our deeply rooted tradition of community, unity, and shared purpose.” END

Consul General Neil Ferrer (6th from left) with Honorary Consul Donna LaVigne (1st from left), Filipino Community leaders, and descendants of Dr. Jose Rizal (San Francisco PCG photo)

 Consul General Neil Ferrer at the Dr. Jose Rizal’s monument with the members of the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation and the Filipino American Community in Colorado (Photo courtesy of Ms. Patty Medina-Cruzado of One Fil-Am Market ltd.)

Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer with Atty. Elaine Bordeaux and Director Fritz Silorio–the sculptors of the six-foot bronze Rizal monument (San Francisco PCG photo)

For more information, visit https://www.sanfranciscopcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippinessanfrancisco.org, https://www.facebook.com/PHinSF/ or https://www.instagram.com/phlinsf/.