THE Philippine government, through the Supreme Council of the Knights of Rizal, has elevated Sir Altamash “Alt” Haider to the rank of Knight Commander (KCR), according to multiple sources familiar with the proceedings.
The elevation, which sources say was approved in recent weeks, moves Haider from Knight First Class – the rank he received in August last year – to the significantly higher rank of KCR, which is the third degree of the Order of Rizal and is considered a senior position within the order's hierarchy.
What makes the elevation particularly noteworthy is its rarity for a foreign national.
The Order of Rizal, established in 1911, is the only order of chivalry of the Republic of the Philippines. It is an exclusive institution whose higher ranks are not widely conferred.
KCR, in particular, is a distinction reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional and sustained service to
the Filipino people and the ideals of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.
Sources close to the Supreme Council say the decision was based on Haider’s sustained and tangible contributions to the Filipino community abroad, particularly in Toronto, where he has been a visible presence at cultural events, business forums and youth mentorship programs over the past several years.
“Direct elevation to Knight Commander is not granted lightly,” one source told The Manila Times, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“This person has shown genuine care for our countrymen; and this recognizes not just visibility, but sustained, meaningful
work on behalf of Filipinos overseas.”
Haider, who is not ethnically Filipino, first came to prominence within Filipino community circles in Canada for his consistent support of Filipino‐owned businesses and his encouragement of youth entrepreneurship.
His advocacy has focused on helping young Filipino Canadians build networks, access resources, and look toward Asian markets for growth opportunities.
The elevation comes amid his recent high‐profile visit to the Philippines, during which he toured all three major island groups – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao – fulfilling a promise he made to the Filipino community a year ago.
His itinerary included an unannounced visit to Tondo, where he walked through the district's narrow alleys and climbed Smokey Mountain, as well as stops in Iloilo City and Davao City.
When contacted by The Manila Times for comment on the elevation, Haider’s team expressed delight.
A representative shared that they were “very happy” with the decision, noting that the Toronto denizen views the recognition as a responsibility to continue his work rather than a personal accolade.
“This is a great honor for him, but more than anything, it is proof that service is not about nationality,” the representative added.
For many in the Filipino community, both in the Philippines and abroad, the elevation of a foreign national to Knight Commander carries a deeper significance.
It signals that the exclusive order recognizes and rewards those who genuinely stand with the Filipino people – regardless of passport or birthplace.
“That is a great honor. And it is one he has earned, not through politics but through genuine service,” one Manila‐based member of the Knights of Rizal said.