New York Names a Street after Dr. José Rizal, Honoring his Ideals and the Filipino Migrant Community

On 12 December 2025, the intersection of Woodside Avenue and 58th Street was officially co-named Dr. José Rizal Way. This new street sign honors the Philippine national hero and celebrates the vibrant Filipino community that calls Woodside home. (Photos by Sir Michael Magsombol Knights of Rizal - Astoria Chapter)

NEW YORK, 14 December 2025 – An intersection in Woodside, Queens, New York has been named “Dr. José Rizal Way,” an enduring recognition of the Philippine national hero’s significant influence on the Filipino and Filipino American community in an area known for its large Filipino population.

The street co-naming was made possible through the initiative of Steven Raga, the first Filipino American elected to the New York State Assembly, with New York City Council Member Julie Won advancing the necessary legislation for the intersection of Woodside Avenue and 58th Street in Queens, the largest borough of New York City.

New York City Council Member Julie Won noted the co-naming reflects the growing Filipino presence in her district and Woodside’s identity as a community shaped by generations of immigrants. “It’s an honor to co-name an intersection in Woodside after Dr. José P. Rizal, the national hero for Filipinos in my district and beyond,” Won said. “This co-naming speaks to our ethos as a district of immigrants and honors the contributions and culture of our neighbors in the Filipino diaspora.”

Council Member Julie Won (left), Assembly Member Steven Raga (middle), and Congresswoman Grace Meng (right) spoke powerfully about the deep impact of Filipino immigrants in Woodside and New York City. Their shared message emphasized that this co-naming honors the vital contributions that define the diverse character of the neighborhood. (Photos by Sir Michael Magsombol Knights of Rizal - Astoria Chapter)

During the unveiling ceremony, Philippine Consul General in New York Senen T. Mangalile delivered a resonant speech connecting the historical legacy of Dr. Rizal to the contemporary Filipino migrant experience.

Consul General Mangalile and KOR New York Area Commander Sir Joselito Cayabyab delivering powerful messages on the importance of community and heritage. The Knights of Rizal played a key role in the successful campaign to co-name a local street in honor of the Philippine national hero, continuing to champion his ideals in the community. (Photos by Sir Michael Magsombol Knights of Rizal - Astoria Chapter)

Consul General Mangalile highlighted that Rizal’s fight was not limited by geography, as the ideals he championed were universal and remain acutely relevant today, specifically the pursuit of equality, anti-colonialism, and women’s rights. The Consul General drew a direct parallel between Rizal’s global perspective and the current generation of Filipino migrants, who embody these universal ideals through their resilience and contributions, enriching the diverse, multicultural fabric of New York City.

Consul General Mangalile concluded his remarks by extending heartfelt gratitude to the entire Filipino community, with a special acknowledgment of the dedication shown by all the chapters of the Knights of Rizal in New York. Their steadfast commitment and collaborative efforts were instrumental in bringing this tribute to fruition.

“The renaming of this intersection is a beautiful and inspiring result of our community working together toward a common goal,” said Consul General Mangalile. “It stands as a testament to the power of unity and our collective pride in our heritage.” 

The co-naming ceremony was attended by Consul General Mangalile, Council Member Julie Won, Assembly Member Steven Raga, Congresswoman Grace Meng, and representatives from the various chapters of Knights of Rizal and Filipino-American organizations in New York. END

Consul General Mangalile joined Council Member Julie Won, Assembly Member Steven Raga, Congresswoman Grace Meng, and dedicated members of the Knights of Rizal in unveiling the new street sign. This moment marks the culmination of the successful co-naming initiative. (Photo by Sir Michael Magsombol Knights of Rizal - Astoria Chapter)
In celebration of Filipino heritage, Consul General Mangalile and Assembly Member Steven Raga officially sign a replica of the Jose Rizal Way street sign. (Photo by Sir Michael Magsombol Knights of Rizal - Astoria Chapter)
Consul General Mangalile, Council Member Julie Won, Assembly Member Steven Raga, Congresswoman Grace Meng, and representatives from the various chapters of Knights of Rizal and Filipino-American organizations in New York pose after the co-naming ceremony. (Photo by Sir Michael Magsombol Knights of Rizal - Astoria Chapter)