Knights of Rizal Sacramento Landmark Chapter Unveils Dr. Jose Rizal Bust in Sacramento
Deputy Consul General Maria Paz Cortes (4th from right, front row), Sacramento Chapter Commander Cesar C. Sotto, KCR (2nd from the left), Knights of Rizal Supreme Council Trustee Arnold Villafuerte, KGCR from the Knights of Rizal-Hawaii Chapter (3rd from the right, front row), California Area Commander John Louie Estapia, KCR (4th from the left, back row) Mr. Richard Lincoln, Recreation Manager of the Jose P. Rizal Community Center (rightmost), with other Knights of Rizal officials and members with the Dr. Jose Rizal bust (San Francisco PCG photo)
Sacramento, California – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, led by Deputy Consul General Maria Paz Cortes, joined by Vice Consul Glaiza Quarteros, and Cultural Officer Anne Estoya, participated in the unveiling and turnover ceremony of the Dr. Jose Rizal bust at the Jose P. Rizal Community Center, Sacramento, California on 27 February 2026. The event was organized by the Knights of Rizal-Sacramento Landmark Chapter (KOR-SLC).
In her message, Deputy Consul General Maria Paz Cortes highlighted Dr. Jose Rizal’s enduring legacy in the pursuit of truth, justice, and freedom–values that continue to inspire and guide us today. She also underscored that this year’s commemoration is especially meaningful as it coincides with the celebration of the 165th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal. The occasion is further significant as it comes at a time when the Philippines and the U.S. mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The bust of Dr. Jose Rizal, personally carried by KOR Area Commander John Louie Estapia from Hong Kong to Manila, then to Los Angeles, and finally to Sacramento, was donated by Mr. Kumrad Kako, a Hong Kong-based member of the Knights of Rizal. KOR-SLC Commander Cesar Sotto noted that this journey symbolically reflected the life of Dr. Rizal. Though Rizal did not live in California, his ideals continue to inspire Filipinos abroad, including those who have built vibrant and thriving communities across the U.S.
Mounted on the pedestal, it stands approximately 4.7 feet high and features a plaque describing Dr. Jose Rizal’s journey in California.END
Deputy Consul General Maria Paz Cortes joins the members of the Knights of Rizal and the Filipino Community in Sacramento, and officials of the Jose P. Rizal Community Center in unveiling the Dr. Jose Rizal bust (San Francisco PCG photo)
A close-up shot of the bust which will be housed at the Jose P. Rizal Community Center, Sacramento, California (San Francisco PCG photo)
Deputy Consul General Maria Paz Cortes delivers her message during the unveiling ceremony (San Francisco PCG photo)
Deputy Consul General Maria Paz Cortes with Mr. Murray Navarro, President of the Filipino Community of Sacramento and Vicinity (San Francisco PCG photo)
Photo opportunity with the newly unveiled bust of Dr. Jose Rizal (San Francisco PCG photo)