Dr. José Rizal Legacy International Foundation

05/17/2026

PRESS RELEASE
Rizal in Daly City Webinar to Highlight Filipino Migration Story and Proposed Dr. José Rizal Monument
DALY CITY, CALIFORNIA — The Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation proudly invites the public to attend a special webinar entitled “Rizal in Daly City: A Monument of Our Migration Story” on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM Pacific Time via Zoom.
This meaningful online event will explore the rich history of Filipino migration in Daly City and the growing significance of the proposed Dr. José Rizal monument at Serramonte Library. Through stories, historical reflections, and community dialogue, the webinar aims to honor the generations of Filipino Americans whose sacrifices, resilience, and contributions helped shape Daly City into one of the most vibrant Filipino communities in the United States.
The webinar will feature respected community leaders, historians, educators, and advocates who will share their perspectives on Filipino heritage, migration, civic leadership, and the importance of preserving cultural legacy through public art and historical monuments.
Featured Panel of Presenters

Juslyn Manalo — Three-time Daly City Mayor and current Daly City Councilmember running for District 5 San Mateo Supervisor. Manalo is a longtime community advocate and sponsor of Daly City’s resolution supporting the Dr. José Rizal monument.

MC Canlas — Public historian, former lead organizer of the Daly City Filipino Organizing Project, co-founder of the Pilipino Bayanihan Community Center, and board member of the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Legacy International Foundation.

Roderick Daus-Magbual — Daly City Councilmember, former Mayor and Vice Mayor, educator at Skyline College and San Francisco State University, and co-sponsor of the Daly City resolution for the Dr. José Rizal monument.

Perla Barrientos — Respected elder and community leader dedicated to supporting immigrant families, youth, and cultural organizations.

Dr. Agnes Alikpala — Retired pediatrician and longtime supporter of medical missions and Filipino community initiatives in Northern California.

The webinar will be moderated by Elaine Antonio Bordeaux, sculptor, visual artist, immigration lawyer, and Executive Director of the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation.
According to organizers, the proposed Dr. José Rizal monument at Serramonte Library represents more than a historical tribute. It symbolizes the journey, sacrifices, dreams, and achievements of Filipino immigrants and Filipino Americans who have helped build Daly City’s cultural identity and community spirit.
“This monument is not only about honoring Dr. José Rizal,” organizers stated. “It is about honoring our collective migration story, preserving our heritage, and inspiring future generations to remember the courage and contributions of those who came before us.”
The public is invited to attend this free webinar and participate in a meaningful conversation about history, identity, leadership, and cultural legacy.
Webinar Information
Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM Pacific Time
Platform: Zoom
Meeting ID: 823 5192 2981
Passcode: 983019
For more information, visit Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation or email [email protected].
Celebrate Our History. Honor Our Legacy. Inspire the Future.

01/24/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco Conducts Ocular Visit at Approved Site for 6-Foot Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy Sculpture in Daly City

Daly City, CA — January 23, 2026 — The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, together with the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation and Daly City officials conducted an official ocular visit yesterday, January 23, to the unanimously approved site for the installation of the 6-foot Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy Sculpture in Daly City.

The visit organized by Polly S. Cortez, President of the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation, and was attended by Daly City officials led by Juslyn Manalo and Rod Daus-Magbual, community leaders, and representatives from key Filipino American organizations, including the Philippine Bayanihan Resource Center (PBRC) and KAPWA Cultura. The ocular visit marked an important milestone in advancing this historic cultural and educational project honoring the Philippine national hero.

The ocular visit underscored the strong collaboration among the Philippine Consulate, local government, and Filipino American organizations in bringing the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy Sculpture to Daly City.

Daly City holds a unique and historic place in the Filipino American story, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Filipinos in America.” Home to one of the largest Filipino populations in the United States, Daly City has long served as a center of Filipino migration, civic leadership, and cultural preservation. The installation of the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy Sculpture recognizes both Dr. Rizal’s enduring ideals of education, patriotism, and peaceful reform, and the vital contributions of Filipino Americans to the fabric of American society.

“This monument is more than a sculpture,” said Polly Cortez. “It is a lasting symbol of Filipino identity, pride, and shared history—honoring Dr. Jose Rizal while celebrating Daly City as a cornerstone of the Filipino American experience.”

The Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy Sculpture is envisioned as a permanent educational landmark that will inspire future generations through Dr. Rizal’s values of courage, intellectual freedom, and service to humanity.

Additional details regarding the installation timeline, public unveiling, and community participation opportunities will be announced in the coming months.

For inquiries and partnership opportunities:
Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation
Please contact Polly Cortez and Elaine Bordeaux [email protected]

01/20/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

First-Ever Wreath Laying Ceremony to Honor Dr. Jose Rizal at George Fellows Park
Colorado Springs commemorates the 165th Birth Anniversary of the Philippine National Hero

Colorado Springs, CO — June 19, 2026 — The Filipino American community and friends of history and culture are invited to attend the first wreath laying ceremony at the Dr. Jose Rizal Monument, located at George Fellows Park, on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.

This historic event marks the 165th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero, novelist, physician, and reformist whose ideas on freedom, education, and peaceful reform continue to inspire people around the world. The ceremony also celebrates the enduring friendship between the Filipino and American people and recognizes the contributions of Filipino Americans to U.S. history and civic life.

The Dr. Jose Rizal Monument was installed on July 27, 2025, making this wreath laying ceremony the first official commemorative event held at the site since its installation. The monument has since become a symbol of cultural heritage, education, and shared democratic values in Colorado Springs.

The program will include a formal wreath laying, brief remarks from community leaders and dignitaries, cultural tributes, and a moment of reflection honoring Dr. Rizal’s legacy of courage, intellectual freedom, and nonviolent advocacy for justice.

Volunteers and sponsors are warmly welcome to support this historic community event and help ensure its success. Individuals, organizations, and businesses interested in participating are encouraged to get involved.

Community organizations, civic leaders, veterans, educators, students, and members of the public are invited to attend this solemn and historic gathering.

Event Details:
What: First Wreath Laying Ceremony – Dr. Jose Rizal Monument
When: Friday, June 19, 2026 | 3:00–5:00 PM
Where: Dr. Jose Rizal Monument, George Fellows Park, Colorado Springs
Occasion: 165th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal

This milestone event affirms Colorado Springs’ commitment to honoring global heritage and fostering cross-cultural understanding through public art, education, and community unity.

For volunteer opportunities, sponsorship information, or general inquiries, please contact [email protected].

12/28/2025

Very thrilled to announce our awardees on December 30, 2025.

12/19/2025

A Historic Milestone on December 29, 2025 for Daly City, the Filipino Capital of the USA

A historic milestone unfolds on December 29, 2025, as we gather for the Kick-Off Ceremony of the 6-foot bronze Dr. Jose P. Rizal Legacy Monument by Filipino sculptors Elaine Bordeaux and Fritz Silorio in Daly City, proudly known as the Filipino Capital of the United States. This moment marks the beginning of a lasting tribute honoring the life, ideals, and enduring legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal—national hero, intellectual, and global symbol of courage, dignity, and love of country.

This landmark project is led by the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation, in partnership with Daly City and the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco. We are deeply grateful for the support of our community partners, including KAPWA, PBRC, Knights of Rizal Sacramento and other civic and cultural organizations whose shared commitment made this vision possible.

Together, we celebrate not only a monument, but a legacy—one that will inspire generations to uphold Rizal’s values of service, education, and unity. (Special thanks to Venazir Martinez and Sonia Delen for this flyer.) Dr. José Rizal Legacy International Foundation Polly Cortez Marzil Lerc Linn Juslyn Manalo Ray Satorre Fernando Martin Montanes Artists Tree

12/16/2025

12/16/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Historic Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy Sculpture Project Launched in Daly City, the Filipino Capital of the United States

Daly City, CA — The Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation proudly announces a historic milestone in honoring Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal with the creation of the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy Sculpture in Daly City, widely recognized as the Filipino Capital of the United States.

On November 10, the City of Daly City officially passed a resolution, sponsored by Mayor Rod Daus-Magbual and Councilmember Juslyn Manalo designating Serramonte Library at Gellert Park as the permanent site of the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy Sculpture. This landmark resolution marks a significant moment for the Filipino American community, affirming Daly City’s deep cultural ties to Philippine history and heritage.

This legacy project is part of the Dr. Jose Rizal monument movement with the 6 ft bronze sculpture of Dr. Jose Rizal sculpted by Filipino artists Elaine Bordeaux and Fritz Silorio, whose collaborative work reflects excellence in public art, historical storytelling, and cultural preservation. The sculpture will stand as a symbol of Rizal’s ideals—freedom, education, courage, and national dignity—and as a lasting tribute to the contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States.

The Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the life, works, and values of Dr. Jose Rizal, is leading this initiative in collaboration with the City of Daly, Philippine Bayanihan Resource Center (PBRC), Pasig South San Francisco Sister Cities, Kapwa Kultura Center, Las Damas de Rizal and other Filipino American organizations.

Mrs. Polly Cortez, incoming President of the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation warmly invites the public, community leaders, educators, youth, and cultural organizations to attend the Kick-Off Ceremony for the Daly City Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy Sculpture Project:

📍 Kick-Off Ceremony
Date: December 29
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Venue: Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Consulate General, San Francisco

The Kick-Off Ceremony will formally launch the project, present the vision and design concept of the monument, and celebrate unity and bayanihan within the Filipino American community.
“This project is more than a monument—it is a declaration of identity, pride, and shared values,”said Cortez. “By honoring Dr. Jose Rizal in Daly City, we honor the past, inspire the present, and empower future generations.”

Further details about the sculpture, community participation, and upcoming milestones will be announced in the coming months.

For media inquiries and partnership opportunities:
Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation
Email: [email protected]