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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL - CALGARY
Suite 100, 1001 1st St SE Calgary, AB, T2G 5G3

PCG CALGARY LEADS RIZAL DAY COMMEMORATION AT RIZAL MONUMENT IN AIRDRIE, ALBERTA

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Calgary, 1 January 2023 – The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Calgary led the Filipino community in Alberta in commemorating the 126th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. José Rizal with a simple wreath laying ceremony at the Dr. José Rizal Monument at Nose Creek Regional Park in Airdrie, Alberta, Canada on 30 December 2022.

Joining the PCG in the event were Member of Parliament (Airdrie-Banff) Blake Richards, Member of Legislative Assembly (Airdrie-East) Angela Pitt, Airdrie City Councilor Ron Chapman, the Filipino Airdrie Association, the Rizal Monument Project Team, and the other members of the Filipino community in Alberta.

The program began with the singing of the Philippine and Canadian national anthems led by Ms. Jewel Arwen Nierva, which was followed by short remarks by Consul General Zaldy Patron and the invited distinguished guests.

In his remarks, Consul General Patron said that Dr. Rizal, with his excellence in many fields and his courage to fight the Spanish colonizers with ideas of liberty and freedom through his written works, was the epitome of a true Filipino. He called on all Filipinos in Alberta and the rest of Canada to draw inspiration from the life and deeds of Dr. Rizal. Just like the Philippine national hero, Consul General Patron said the Filipinos could be noble, wherever they are, and that they should safeguard and defend the freedom enjoyed by the Philippines.

For his part, MP Richards expressed his appreciation for the contributions of the Filipino community in Alberta. Similar remarks were made by MLA Pitt, Councilor Chapman, and Mr. Jun Martin, President of FAA.

Following the remarks, a simple wreath laying ceremony was held, led by Consul General Patron. Honor guards from the Alberta Sheriffs and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police carried the wreath.

Unveiled on 23 October 2021, the construction of the Dr. José Rizal Monument was a project initiated and led by the PCG and undertaken in partnership with the Airdrie City Council, Filipino Airdrie Association, Rizal Monument Project Team, 46 major sponsors, and 201 brick donors.

On 19 June 2022, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines designated the first Rizal Monument in Alberta as a Philippine historical site.