Why Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s legacy lives on 127 years later

Amidst grey skies on a cold afternoon on December 30, 2023 at Toronto’s Earl Bales Park, over 60 Filipino-Canadians huddled by Philippine hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s bronze bust to commemmorate the 127th year of his martyrdom.

“It is with a deep sense of respect that I, as a Member of Parliament of Filipino descent, stand before you to honour a man whose sacrifice became a cornerstone of Philippine independence and identity,” said the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business.

The minister said that 127 years ago, the Philippines “lost more than a man. It lost a symbol of hope, a beacon of intellectual resistance against colonial oppression.”

“Rizal’s execution, and our profound loss, was a turning point that forever altered the course of Philippine history.”

Born in Calamba, Laguna on June 19, 1861, Rizal was a physician, writer, linguist, and inventor who was martyred at the age of 35.

“He was a man of purpose and he travelled a lot,” said Consul General Angelica Escalona.

“His travel was a way for him to expand his knowledge and his world view.”

During his travels, Rizal saw oppression and injustice towards people of colour.

“The bad experience during the Spanish Colonial Rule served as his inspiration to advocate for reforms which eventually led to the Philippine Revolution,” said Escalona.

Rizal was reported to be the first Filipino to set foot on Canadian soil on May 12, 1888.

“On his way to the continental U.S. and Europe, he passed by Canada and described Niagara Falls on the Canadian side as ‘majestic’ and ‘immense’,” said Escalona.

Several wreaths were laid by the Consul General, MP Valdez and representatives from the Knights of Rizal and University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Toronto in front of the bust sculpted by F.B. Caede.

The bust of Dr. Jose P. Rizal measures two and a half feet by 2 feet and is made of cold cast bronze material, mounted on a six-foot granite pedestal.

It was given by the Philippine Consulate to the City of Toronto in 1998 on the centennial of Philippine Independence.

“On this day, we not only commemorate Rizal’s sacrifice but also reflect on the lessons his life imparts to us.

“His dedication to his country, his courage in the face of adversity, and his intellectual legacy are reminders of the responsibilities we bear—to our heritage, to our communities, and to the principles of fairness and liberty,” the minister said.

“The Filipino youth need to know the story of his life, teachings and martyrdom,” said Rev. Terry Gallagher, an Irish priest who has lived and worked in various provinces of the Philippines.

Many of his colleagues were imprisoned in the early 1970’s.

“Dr. Jose P. Rizal was a misunderstood hero during his time,” Gallagher said.

MP Valdez talked about Dr. Rizal being a visionary, a writer, a thinker, and a reformist.

“Through his writings and unyielding spirit, he awakened a national consciousness that spurred a revolution.

“Yet his life was cut short, a martyrdom that speaks volumes about the cost of freedom and the price of change.”

The Philippine consulate will unveil another Rizal Monument in the vicinity of Niagara Falls this year, the consular official stated.