Bust of José Rizal (1861–1896)

Donated by the Republic of the Philippines to the former city of Hull. The unveiling on March 22, 2001 was attended by His Excellency Ambassador Francisco L. Benedicto and Mayor Yves Ducharme.

This project was made possible through the support of the Philippines Heritage Foundation of Canada, the Philippines Association of Montreal and the Suburbs, and the Filipino-Canadian Community of the National Capital Region.

José Rizal, physician, author and national martyr, is the national hero of the Philippines. Born in Calamba, Laguna Province on June 19, 1861, he published two novels that made his reputation. These works, which denounced the abuses by the Colonialist masters and demanded political rights and equality for the Philippine people, sparked the reform movement in the second half of the 19th century.

Rizal was found guilty of insurgency and executed on December 30, 1896 in Bagumbayan Place, Manila, which is still known as Rizal Park. The life and writings of José Rizal continue to inspire Philippine youth, whom he regarded as the nation's hope for justice.