Calgary, 29 May 2022 – The Dr. José Rizal Monument at Nose Creek Regional Park in Airdrie, Alberta, Canada, will soon be designated as a Philippine historical site.

On the occasion of the 161st birth anniversary of Dr. José Rizal on 19 June 2022, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) will unveil a historical marker on the monument of the Philippine national hero. The marker measuring 27 x 35 inches is made of cast iron and was shipped from the Philippines.

The NHCP is the primary Philippine government agency responsible for the promotion of Philippine history. Part of its mandate is to declare historically significant sites, structures, events, and personages within and outside the Philippines.

With the installation of the historical marker, the NHCP recognizes the Rizal Monument in Airdrie as the first of its kind in the Province of Alberta, Canada, and it will be included in the NHCP’s registry of historical structures outside the Philippines.

Leading the installation of the NHCP historical marker are Ms. Carminda Arevalo, Executive Director of the NHCP representing NHCP Chairman Rene Escalante, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Rodolfo Robles, Consul General Zaldy Patron, Alberta Culture Minister Ron Orr, and Airdrie City Mayor Peter Brown.

The ceremony for the installation of the NHCP’s historical marker will be held on 19 June 2022, Sunday, at 11:00 AM.

The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Calgary is inviting the public to attend the event.

The PCG initiated and led the installation of the Rizal Monument in partnership with the Airdrie City Council, Filipino Airdrie Association, and Rizal Monument Project Team. The Rizal Monument was unveiled to the public on 23 October 2021, 14 months after Consul General Zaldy Patron formally proposed it to Airdrie City Mayor Peter Brown. END