CONSUL GENERAL SALLE CALLS ON ONTARIO PROTOCOL

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07 October 2025, Toronto – Consul General Kristine Leilani R. Salle had an introductory courtesy call on Ms. Veronica Panton, Director, International Relations and Chief of Protocol, Ontario Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs.

Director Panton briefed Consul General Salle, who recently assumed office as Consul General of the Republic of the Philippines in Toronto, on the functions of her office. She gave assurance that their office is committed to providing the Consulate General the needed assistance, including on coordination with the Ontario government; on the concerns of the Filipino community; and even on coordination with other provinces and territories.

Director Panton and Consul General Salle discussed the priorities of the Consulate General, including credentials recognitions, trade and investments, health and energy. The Office of International Relations and Protocol committed to facilitate meetings between Philippine and Ontario officials to discuss opportunities for collaboration in these key sectors.

The Office of International Relations and Protocol serves as the Ontario government’s point of contact to one of the largest consular corps in the world, with more than 100 foreign governments represented in Ontario. END

NEW PHILIPPINE CONSUL GENERAL IN TORONTO ADDRESSES THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE GTA

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6 October 2025 — On Thursday, 2 October 2025, more than 80 members of the Filipino Community in the Greater Toronto Area representing some 50 organizations and businesses came together to welcome the newly-appointed Consul General of the Republic of the Philippines in Toronto, the Honorable Kristine Leilani R. Salle.

In her remarks, Consul General Salle paid tribute to the dynamic, resilient, and inspiring Filipino community in Ontario and Manitoba, which comprise almost half of the Filipino diaspora in Canada. She emphasized her dual responsibility of “uphold(ing) and promot(ing) the interests of the Philippines and the Filipino people” in Canada and more importantly, with the community’s support, “build(ing) an environment that uplifts Filipino communities and businesses both here and back home.”

She outlined six priority areas for her term in Toronto, namely (1) enhancing consular services to ensure greater accessibility and efficiency, (2) strengthening cultural connections through Sentro Rizal Toronto, (3) harnessing professional empowerment by advancing efforts toward credentials recognition, (4) promoting bilateral economic engagement in key sectors such as food security, agri-tech, clean energy, mining, and innovation, including through collaboration with Filipino-owned businesses and activations utilizing the DTI SME Showroom at the Consulate, (5) boosting tourism and reconnection through the annual Winter Escapade and new programs under development, and (6) encouraging stronger civic participation to help shape the future of the Philippines.

Consul General Salle also introduced the Consulate team alongside the representatives from the attached agencies, such as the Migrant Workers Office/Overseas Welfare Office, Philippine Trade and Investment Center, and SSS Toronto. She reaffirmed the team’s commitment to service stating that “the Consulate’s doors are always open, not only to you but also to your ideas, collaboration, and connection… I look forward to working with you, learning from you, and growing together as one Filipino community, which is strong, proud, and united here in Toronto.”

During the Q&A, the attendees expressed their enthusiasm to collaborate with the Consulate on various initiatives in arts and culture, business, and legal, financial and social services to support the Filipino community. Several participants also sought clarification on consular matters, particularly on dual citizenship.
The evening concluded with a shared appreciation for Filipino cuisine, as guests and Consulate staff enjoyed a delicious spread of traditional street food prepared by Kariton Foodcarts.END

CONSUL GENERAL SALLE BEGINS TOUR OF DUTY IN TORONTO

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Consul General Kristine Leilani R. Salle hits the ground running. First order of business on Day 1 at the Philippine Consulate is a meeting with the Officers and Administrative and Finance teams to discuss plans and programs for the remainder of 2025.

CG Salle underscored the importance of ensuring meaningful and impactful work in the political, economic, and cultural spheres, as well as accessible, effective, and efficient consular and Assistance-to-Nationals services.END

NEW PH CONSUL GENERAL ARRIVES IN TORONTO

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19 September 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General welcomed the Honorable Kristine Leilani R. Salle, as the new Consul General of the Philippines in Toronto, upon her arrival late evening of 18 September 2025.

Consul General Salle is a seasoned diplomat with over 25 years of experience in the Philippine Foreign Service. Prior to her appointment as the Philippine Consul General in Toronto, she was the Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Switzerland. She has held key roles in both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, including postings in Rome and London. In Manila, she has served in various capacities handling Asia-Pacific and European affairs, migration issues, and international economic relations.

Consul General Salle looks forward to engaging with the Filipino-Canadian community, Canadian public officials at the federal, provincial and local levels, the business community, and other stakeholders to find areas of meaningful collaboration and pathways for protecting and promoting the interests of the Filipino diaspora and further broadening and deepening relations between the Philippines and Canada.

Consul General Salle succeeds former Consul General Angelica C. Escalona whose tour of duty in Toronto was completed on 30 June 2025.END

SENTRO RIZAL TORONTO PILOTS ITS SILID-ARALAN SA KONSULADO

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16 August 2025 — On Saturday, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, under the Sentro Rizal-Toronto, hosted its first Silid-Aralan Sa Konsulado in celebration of August as National Language and History Month.

The five-hour session was organized in partnership with the Philippine Teachers Association of Canada (PTAC), Kultura Life & Art Inc. represented by PAFIOO Awardee Roberto Lavides and his wife Joyne Lavides, York University-Department of Theater, Dance and Performance Professor Patrick Alcedo, FilCanadian-owned restaurant Lakay Kusina, and Filipino-owned business Aki’s Bayong.

The interactive program featuring sessions on games & drama, arts & crafts, cuisine, and music and dance was attended by twenty (20) children aged 6-15 years old from the Greater Toronto Area.

From ABAKADA and Philippine television fantasy drama anthology Ora Engkantada, the students learned to form, write and act out words and phrases in Filipino.

While making their own coasters from weaving plastic strips, they were also introduced to the ingenuity and sustainable practices of the bayong weaving communities in Malabon that use recycled packaging materials to craft their baskets, bags, and other accessories.

Everyone had a tasty, informative and entertaining lunch of lumpia making, personal boodle plates and trivia over halo-halo.

The final activity was an introduction to Filipino folkdance. The students learned Binatbatan, a traditional dance from northern Philippines (Ilocos) that depicts the actions of cotton farmers separating the seeds from the fibers using sticks, which is essential to the creation of the Ilocanos’ indigenous handwoven cloth, the Inabel.

The Silid-Aralan Sa Konsulado is part of the ongoing efforts of the Consulate, through its Sentro Rizal-Toronto, to engage Filipino youth and young friends of the Philippines in exploring the richness of Philippine culture, heritage, language, and traditions. END

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO HOLDS CONSULAR OUTREACH MISSION IN WINDSOR, ONTARIO

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7 September 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto conducted its annual consular outreach mission to Windsor, Ontario on 6-7 September 2025. The two-day outreach was held at the Filipino Community Centre in Windsor, with the support of the leaders and volunteers of the Filipino Community Centre Inc. (FCCI).

The outreach team provided a range of consular services to members of the community in Windsor and other neighboring areas, including from across the border from Detroit, Michigan in the U.S. A total of 143 consular services were rendered, including passport renewals, notarial services, civil registration submissions, and dual citizenship applications. Forty-three (43) former Filipinos with their dependents took their oath of allegiance to retain/reacquire their Filipino citizenship under Republic Act 9225.

The team, led by Consul Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin, briefed the clients on the consular and assistance-to-nationals (ATN) services provided by the Consulate. Among the issues discussed were the period of stay allowed in the Philippines either under the Balikbayan Privilege or as dual citizens and the corresponding documentation to support these, as well as distinguishing between children that may be considered dual Filipino and Canadian citizens at birth and children that would need to be included as dependents in their parents’ application for dual citizenship under RA 9225. They were reminded of the importance of registering with the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa or Consulates General in Calgary, Toronto or Vancouver all births and marriages in Canada involving Filipinos.

The newly sworn-in dual citizens were urged to register as Filipino overseas voters upon the resumption of OV registration on 1 December 2025, so they can exercise their right to vote in the 2028 Philippine national elections.

The team also took the opportunity to invite the Filipino community in Windsor to register for Winter Escapade 10, the tenth iteration of the flagship tourism program of Philippine Posts in Canada to be held from 1 to 10 February 2026. The 10-day tour combines the best of Metro Manila, Dumaguete, Siquijor, and Bicol to allow travelers to (re)discover and (re)connect with their roots and bask in the Philippines’ natural and cultural treasures, while supporting local jobs and communities.

Representatives of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO)/Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)-Toronto and Social Security System (SSS)-Toronto also joined the outreach mission to provide their services to the Filipino community.

Representatives of GCash, its Canada-based cash-in partner and remittance company LemFi, and Metro Remit were also present to promote their respective programs and services available for Filipinos in Canada. Their offerings are aligned with the Consulate’s continuing initiative to empower Filipinos in handling their hard-earned money.

The Philippine Consulate General will have its next outreach missions in London, ON (13-14 September), Brandon, MB (27 September), and Winnipeg, MB (28-29 September). These missions are part of the Consulate’s continuing efforts to bring its services closer to Filipino communities in Ontario and Manitoba. END

MEET & GREET WITH THE NEW PHILIPPINE CONSUL GENERAL

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We invite the Filipino community to join us in welcoming our new Consul General, the Honorable Kristine Leilani R. Salle, on Friday, 19 September 2025, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., at 160 Eglinton Avenue E, 7/F, Toronto, ON, M4P 3B5.

Due to space constraints, we will only be able to accommodate up to 80 guests. Register now by scanning the QR code on the poster or using this link https://forms.gle/EYH1JLDCHpa8TKu67 to secure your slot.

We look forward to having you!

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO HOLDS CONSULAR OUTREACH SERVICE IN GUELPH, ONTARIO

Filed under Press Release

Dual Citizenship applicants during the oathtaking ceremony administered by Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague

23 August 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, in coordination with the Filipino Canadian Club of Guelph-Wellington and the Guelph Pinoy Eagles Club, conducted a Consular Outreach Service at the Cornerstone Christian School in Guelph, Ontario.

The Consulate’s outreach team provided a total of 60 consular services, including renewal of Philippine passports, notarization of documents, civil registry submissions and dual citizenship applications. The Social Security System (SSS)-Toronto also participated in the outreach and provided services to 26 clients.

It was the first time the Consulate General held an outreach in Guelph, which is part of its efforts to reach more Filipinos. Guelph, which is around 100 kilometers away from Toronto, has around 4,000 Filipinos per the 2021 Census of Statistics Canada. END

Clients availing of different consular services

CONSULAR OUTREACH - BRANDON, MANITOBA

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CONSULAR OUTREACH - WINNIPEG, MANITOBA

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Filed under Announcements

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO LAUNCHES THE 2026 WINTER ESCAPADE TOUR, ENCOURAGES CANADA-BASED TRAVELERS TO EMBARK ON 10-DAY ADVENTURE TO MANILA-DUMAGUETE-SIQUIJOR-BICOL

Filed under Press Release

Consul Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin opens the Winter Escapade 10 Launch at the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto

15 August 2025 — On Friday, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto launched the tenth iteration of the Winter Escapade or WE10, which will take place from 1 to 10 February 2026 in Manila, Dumaguete, Siquijor, and Bicol.

The Winter Escapade is the flagship tourism program co-organized annually by the Philippine Embassy and Consulates General in Canada, in partnership with the Philippine Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board, and Rajah Tours, to give Canada-based travelers a unique opportunity to experience the warm hospitality of the Filipino people, some of the most breathtaking views of the country’s 7,641 islands, and the rich diversity of Filipino history, cultural heritage and culinary flavors.

Joining virtually from the Philippines, Rajah Tours President Jojo Clemente and Director of Sales Michael Kipping previewed the 10-day itinerary and land package. WE10 goers can look forward to going on a Pagsanjan Falls river rapids adventure, swimming with sea turtles in Apo Island, exploring the mystical charm of Siquijor, diving with the gentle whalesharks of Donsol, and so much more.

Rajah Tours also announced that they are giving special incentives for Canada-based travel agencies and tour operators that will be able to register WE10 participants.

As in previous years, prospective WE10 goers may avail of special rates for their flights to the Philippines from the country’s national carrier, Philippine Airlines. Pending the announcement of PAL’s WE10 promo fares, PAL-Toronto International Sales Representative Nancy Del Napoles announced that prospective travelers may already take advantage of their Ultimate Seat Sale – a limited offer from 15-31 August 2025.

Interested parties may view and access the itinerary, registration form, and other important details by visiting the Winter Escapade website at winterescapadeph.com.

Ms. Junice Osunero (left), who joined the Winter Escapade in 2020 and 2023, and Mr. & Mrs. Sonny and Edith Hakkim (right), who participated in 2015, 2024 and 2025, share why they keep going back and why they are considering joining the tour again in 2026

Launch attendees were treated to Pinoy street food staples – fishballs, squidballs, kikiam, chicken skin, dynamite, cheese sticks, lumpiang togue, siomai, singkamas and mango with bagoong, sago’t gulaman – from Kariton Foodcarts

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO RENEWS COMMITMENT TO INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW (IHL) AS PART OF IHL MONTH COMMEMORATION

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Toronto, 11 August 2025 – In observance of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Month and IHL Day on 12 August, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the core principles of international humanitarian law in the performance of duties. Consulate personnel, including attached agencies, recited the IHL pledge during the flag raising ceremony.

The Philippines has a long legacy of championing IHL, from ratifying all four Geneva Conventions and their additional Protocols, to being the first in Southeast Asia to adopt a National IHL Act and establish a National IHL Committee.

This year, the Philippines will host the Asia Pacific Regional Conference on International Humanitarian Law on 11-14 August 2025, bringing together key stakeholders to explore the theme: “Galvanising Commitment to International Humanitarian Law: Challenges and Opportunities in the Asia Pacific Region.”

The Consulate joins the global community in raising awareness on the Geneva Conventions and the continued relevance of IHL in addressing modern challenges to peace and security.

#PHinToronto #IHLDay2025 #InternationalHumanitarianLaw

OFFICIAL LAUNCH & PREVIEW OF WE10 IN TORONTO

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Join us for the launch and preview of the Winter Escapade 10 official tour package on Friday, 15 August 2025, 4:00 PM at the Philippine Consulate General, 160 Eglinton Ave E, 7/F, Toronto M4P 3B5.

Who should come?

✔️Anyone looking for their next vacation destination during the winter season

✔️ Kababayans and Canadians looking for a curated experience of some of the Philippines’ most scenic and adventure-filled destinations

✔️ Canada-based tour operators and influencers interested to partner in promoting the WE10 to their clientele

REGISTER NOW via https://forms.gle/T9c6Y3bCvDDz88C7A or by scanning the QR code on the poster.

For more information, please email cultural.officer@philcongen-toronto.com.

#PHinToronto #LoveThePhilippines #WinterEscapade #WE10

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO, HDMF DELEGATION, AND FILIPINO FESTIVAL ORGANIZERS DISCUSS WAYS TO MAKE PAG-IBIG FUND PROGRAMS AND SERVICES MORE ACCESSIBLE TO FILIPINOS IN CANADA

Filed under Press Release

L-R: Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague, Atty. Eduardo Labo Jr., Trustee Abraham Siu, Acting Head of Post and Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate, Trustee Gregorio Montenegro, Virtual Office-North America Team Lead Kristoffer Bryan Sia, Consul Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin

23 July 2025 — The four-member delegation from the Philippine Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) composed of Board of Trustees Members Messrs. Gregorio A. Montenegro and Abraham S. Siu, Atty. Eduardo L. Labo, Jr., Acting Department Manager III of the Foreign-Based Offices Operations Department, and Mr. Kristoffer Bryan C. Sia, Team Lead of Pag-IBIG Fund’s Virtual Office for North America, caps their week-long visit to Canada with back-to-back meetings with lead organizers of major Filipino festivals in Toronto and across Canada.

Facilitated by the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, the delegation met with Fiesta Extravaganza’s Von Canton, Mabuhay Festival’s Tom Tan and Karen Binaday, and FUN Philippines’ Mon and Tess Torralba to explore the possibility of bringing a “Pag-IBIG Fund housing caravan” to one or some of their events in 2026.

The delegation visited Canada from 17 to 23 July 2025. They attended to clients during the Consulate’s consular outreach mission in Winnipeg and Steinbach in Manitoba, as well as to consular clients in Toronto, providing information about PAG-IBIG Fund’s programs, such as Regular Savings, MP2 Savings, Housing and Short-Term Loans, and Loyalty Card Plus, and addressing questions related to eligibility and mechanics for accessing these programs and benefits including through their Virtual Office.

Stay tuned for more announcements as we make programs of Pag-IBIG Fund for boosting your savings or financing your investments even more accessible to kababayans in Canada!

The Pag-IBIG Fund delegation meets with the organizers of Mabuhay Festival, FUN Philippines, and Fiesta Extravaganza

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO HOLDS CONSULAR OUTREACH MISSION IN WINNIPEG AND STEINBACH, MANITOBA

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The first batch of the 119 RA 9225 applicants that took their oath of allegiance for the retention/reacquisition of Philippine citizenship before Consul Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin (front, center) during the three-day mission in Winnipeg and Steinbach pose for a group shot

20 July 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto conducted its second consular outreach mission to Winnipeg for 2025 and the first ever outreach to Steinbach in Manitoba on 18-20 July 2025. The three-day outreach was held at the Holiday Inn Express Winnipeg Airport – Polo Park in Winnipeg and the Road House 52 Inn & Suites in Steinbach, with the support of Philippine Consul ad honorem in Winnipeg, Ronaldo Opina, the Southeast Manitoba Filipino Association (SEMFA), and a number of Filipino community volunteers from both cities.

The outreach team provided a range of consular services to members of the community in Steinbach, Winnipeg, and other neighboring areas. These include passport renewals, notarial services, civil registration submissions, and dual citizenship applications.

The consular team rendered a total of 554 consular services. One hundred nineteen (119) former Filipinos with their dependents took their oath of allegiance to retain/reacquire their Filipino citizenship under Republic Act 9225.

The team, led by Consul Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin, briefed the clients on the consular and assistance-to-nationals (ATN) services provided by the Consulate. Among the issues discussed were the period of stay allowed in the Philippines either under the Balikbayan Privilege or as dual citizens and the corresponding documentation to support these, as well as distinguishing between children that may be considered dual Filipino and Canadian citizens at birth and children that would need to be included as dependents in their parents’ application for dual citizenship under RA 9225. They were reminded of the importance of registering with the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa or Consulates General in Calgary, Toronto or Vancouver all births and marriages in Canada involving Filipinos.

The newly sworn-in dual citizens were urged to look out for the announcement of the resumption of registration for Filipino overseas voters so they can exercise their right to vote in the 2028 Philippine national elections.

The team also took the opportunity to inform the Filipino community in Manitoba of the forthcoming launch of the Winter Escapade 10, the tenth iteration of the flagship tourism program of Philippine Posts in Canada, and encouraged them to consider participating in the 10-day tour with their families and friends on 1-10 February 2026, to reconnect with their roots and enjoy some sun, sand and sea during the peak of Canadian winter.

Representatives of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO)/Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)-Toronto and Social Security System (SSS)-Toronto, and a visiting delegation from Pag-IBIG Fund also joined the outreach mission to provide their services to the Filipino community.

The Philippine Consulate General will hold its third outreach to Winnipeg, MB for 2025 back-to-back with its first mission to Brandon, MB in September. These missions are part of the Consulate’s continuing efforts to bring its services closer to Filipino communities in Ontario and Manitoba.

(Left photo) Consul Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin responding to questions from dual citizenship applicants in Winnipeg; (Right photo) The outreach team assisting clients in Steinbach

(Left photo) First stop of the outreach team — a quick visit to Seafood City Supermarket in Winnipeg hosted by Store Manager Al Francis Francisco (front, 2nd from right) to hear about the current state of the Winnipeg market for Filipino grocery items; (Right photo) The outreach team with Philippine Honorary Consul in Winnipeg Ronaldo Opina (front row, 3rd from right), SEMFA officers, and community volunteers in Steinbach

Honorable Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro on her appointment as Secretary of Foreign Affairs

Filed under Press Release

The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto joins the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa in congratulating the Honorable Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro on her appointment as Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines on 1 July 2025.

The Consulate remains committed to advancing the interests of the Philippines and bringing government services closer to Filipinos in the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba, through collaboration and meaningful partnerships with various stakeholders, under the guidance and leadership of Secretary Lazaro.

DR. JOSE RIZAL MONUMENT AND HISTORICAL MARKER UNVEILED IN NIAGARA FALLS

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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)

21 June 2025 – The seventh Rizal monument in Canada along with its historical marker was unveiled in the City of Niagara Falls in Ontario Province. The unveiling 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 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.

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

(left) NHCP Chair Jose and (right) Mr. Cuizon giving their remarks (photo courtesy of Mr. Dennis Bustos)

(left) Niagara Falls City Councillor Mike Strange, representing Mayor Jim Diodati, and (right) Niagara Parks Commission Chair Gale giving their remarks (photo courtesy of Mr. Dennis Bustos)

(left) The Rizal monument and historical marker (right) Consul General Escalona in front of the monument (photo courtesy of Mr. Dennis Bustos)

(left) Consul General Escalona with local officials and community members; (right) Officers and members of the Knights of the Rizal

The Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre Rondalla playing the Philippine and Canadian national anthems; (right) Consul General Escalona with Mr. Roberto Eusebio Lavidez, Awardee of the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas, and his wife, Ms. Joyne Lavidez (photos courtesy of Mr. Dennis Bustos)

Consul General Escalona and NHCP Chair Jose with officials of the NCHP and Philippine Consulate (photo courtesy of Mr. Dennis Bustos)

HISTORICAL MARKER UNVEILED AT THE JOSE RIZAL MONUMENT IN BRAMPTON, ONTARIO

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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 José Rizal Historical Marker in Brampton

20 June 2025 – As part of the continuing celebration of Dr. Jose Rizal’s 164th birth anniversary, another official historical marker was unveiled for his monument, this time in Brampton, Ontario. The unveiling 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.

The Rizal monument in Brampton was built in June 2023.

Left to right: Brampton Councillor Gurpartap Singh Toor, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo, Consul General Angelica C. Escalona, NHCP Chair Regalado Trota Jose, Jr., Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, officers of the Knights of Rizal and Brampton Councillor Rowena Santos

Left to right: Consul General Escalona, Mayor Brown, NHCP Chair Jose, Sir Mitchell V. Arrojado of the Knights of Rizal-Brampton Chapter and NHCP Executive Director Arevalo after the signing of the Certificate of Transfer and Acceptance for the Historical Marker

NHCP Chair Jose and Executive Director Arevalo present NHCP publications to Consul General Escalona

(left) NHCP Chair Jose delivers his message, (right) the Rizal monument with the newly unveiled Historical Marker

Officers and members of the Knights of Rizal and Filipino community organizations in Brampton with officials of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines

HISTORICAL MARKER UNVEILED AT THE JOSE RIZAL MONUMENT IN WINNIPEG, MANITOBA

Filed under Press Release

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

19 June 2025 – In celebration of Dr. Jose Rizal’s 164th birth anniversary, the official historical marker was unveiled for his monument in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The unveiling was attended by officials of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) led by Chair Regalado Trota Jose, Jr., Philippine Honorary Consul Ronaldo Opina, 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.

Left to right: Member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly Cindy Lamoureux, Point Douglas Councillor Lady Vivian Santos and Philippine Honorary Consul Ronaldo Opina deliver their messages during the unveiling ceremony

Left to right, seated: NHCP Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo, NHCP Chair Jose, Knights of Rizal Winnipeg Chapter Commander Sir Ray Anthony Sator and Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba President Perla Javate sign the Certificate of Transfer and Acceptance for the Historical Marker