Fwd: Rizal Park

[Mercy Lazo]

Hello, SG Kapamilya,

I’m forwarding an email about the act of vandalism at Rizal Park in Beacon Hill, Seattle, WA.

Please let Roger Rigor or myself know if you are interested in being a part of the response to this act of vandalism.

Hope you are keeping warm and dry!

Blessings,

💝 Mercy

Begin forwarded message:

From: Rogelio Rigor <rri...@gmail.com>

Subject: Rizal Park

Date: October 31, 2024 at 11:59:28 AM PDT

To: Mia Sazon <mias...@gmail.com>, Mercy Lazo <mercy...@gmail.com>, Eloisa Cardona <elois...@gmail.com>, Orlando Morales <orl...@refugeechoir.org>, Bj Montoya <bjmon...@gmail.com>, gin...@gmail.com

Magandang umaga, Mia, Mercy, Orlando and BJ, 

I thought I'd just share this (and please also share this out, if you agree)...I feel that as we are part of our greater Fil-Am community and because you all have leadership roles in the vast network of our kababayans here in Seattle and the PNW region...

Two weeks ago, our one and only Jose Rizal Park was vandalized: the statue plaque was stolen along with the very precious Time Capsule located inside. It looks like it was a simple desperation act from a growing number of homeless people in the area. Bronze and metal are good sources of cash when exchanged. 

It's rather ironic that such an act happened during the month of our October Fil-Am History Month---perhaps, a poignant challenge to our vast regional communities to be one in spurring the city to action. The condition we see along the Rizal Bridge is a sorry sight of growing homelessness culture. Of course, it is because of this that the space dedicated to our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal has become a place of fear and violence. 

In my opinion, it would be a stark, disappointing reflection of our Filipino community if we continue to be silent about it. Especially after all the hoopla about October being a Fil-Am History month! 

The Beacon Methodist Church Social Justice Ministry has begun this conversation to respond effectively as a community. I was there last night in their Wednesday KAPWA (a weekly Bible studies I was called upon sometime back to share a Philippine History orientation) and a few from the community have started to gather: Tess Guerzon is the daughter of the lady who back in the days with Dolores Sibonga, started the process of petitioning for the Park; Maria Batayola is the head of the Beacon Hill Council; Devin Cabanilla of FANHS/Filipino Town, among others. 

Perhaps, if you have the time, to take part in the conversation on how we can galvanize this united voice of concern: maybe attend the Wednesday group or, be a signatory as an organization to a petition (now being crafted) to the city, or, simply share and help spread this concern out to your constituent of Fil-Am collectives...

Thank you for your time in considering this...sometimes, events happen and it's upon us to respond how or where we want it to go. 

In this case, it would be to respect our history and for many in the area, the homeless in general, their dignity in human survival. 

Salamat, ingat lang and blessings!!

Roger (Rigor)