By: Ryan Tejero, Editor-In-Chief
The Knights of Rizal Texas Area Foundation (KORTAF) has launched one of the most ambitious projects a Filipino community organization can think of. This is the building of a Dr. Jose Rizal Monument in a planned Rizal Park located in Houston, TX. KORTAF has been actively promoting the project through various fundraising activities and calling out generous donors in the community. On October 28, 2023, KORTAF held its “Tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal,” at the Philippine Community Center. It was a fundraiser to honor several generous donors of the on-going Rizal Monument project.
KORTAF is a civic, patriotic, cultural, non-partisan, non-sectarian, and non-profit organization. Its main purposes include organizing charitable projects in the community and abroad; promoting the study, teachings and training of Dr. Jose Rizal; inculcating, emulating, and practicing by word and deeds the example of the national hero; promoting among associated Knights the spirit of patriotism and Rizalia Chivalry; developing perfect union among its members, in reverence of the memory of Dr. Jose Rizal, and organizing and holding of programs that commemorates Rizal’s nativity and martyrdom.
During the fundraising event, KORTAF recognized several donors. It was an inspiring moment for others who were moved to make on-site donations. KORTAF appeals to the public on the significance and the importance of having a Rizal monument in Rizal Park in Houston. KORTAF Chairman Sir Mel Garraton said that “this project is to promote our Filipino heritage and proudly showcase the significance of our famous and national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. I appeal for your consideration in donating towards this project, as we need all the support from the community.”
Another highlight of the fundraising event was the formal induction by Sir Mel Garraton of the Kabataang Pangarap ni Rizal (KAPARIZ) Texas Chapter. The youth arm of KORTAF was composed of the newly-inducted officers: President – Aeriana Datu; Vice President – Brian Gallegos; Secretary – Micah Perdon; Treasurer – Ryan Saguin; Auditor – Katherine Dimalaluan; Archivist – Gabriel Dizon.
Guest Speaker, Philippine Consul General in Houston Jerril Santos, in his speech said that “This project is very ambitious. There is nothing wrong with being ambitious, it is a beautiful project. But realistically speaking, the Knights of Rizal and the community will have to gather together to make this a reality, as it is not easy to put up a project like this.”
Publisher and owner of One Philippines Texas News, Bhong Zausa, expressed his support to the monument project. He said “I am supporting this project, and through our newsmagazine, we will reach out to prospective donors all over Texas for support. If completed, this project will be our community's biggest legacy to the generations to come of Filipino Americans here in Texas.”
If you are interested to donate towards the Rizal Monument Project, please contact Sir Mel Garraton at 281-851-7299 or email at mbgarraton@aol.com. You can also reach out to Sir Randy Datu at 832-420-3702 or email at cofiltex@yahoo.com.
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