Calgary, 26 October 2023 – Consul General Zaldy Patron and some Alberta Government officials led the commemoration of the 2nd Anniversary of the Unveiling of the Dr. José Rizal Monument at Nose Creek Regional Park in Airdrie, Alberta, on 23 October 2023.
Unveiled two years ago on 23 October 2021, the Rizal Monument in Airdrie was a project initiated and led by the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary, under the leadership of Consul General Patron, and completed in partnership with the Airdrie City Council, Filipino Airdrie Association, Rizal Monument Project Team, the 46 major sponsors and 201 donors.
Joining Consul General Patron in visiting the Rizal Monument on 23 October 2023 were the Hon. Nathan Cooper, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta; Hon. Angela Pitt, Member of Legislative Assembly for Airdrie-East; Airdrie City Mayor Peter Brown, and Airdrie City Councillor Tina Petrow.
The members of the Knights of Rizal of Calgary were also present at the event.
For having the distinction of being the first Philippine monument and the first monument of the Philippine national hero in Alberta, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines has designated the Rizal Monument in Airdrie as a Philippine Historical Site.
The Rizal Monument in Airdrie was the venue of the Philippine Independence Day celebration on 11 June 2023 and the Rizal Day commemorations in 2021 and 2022.
