MARKHAM, ON – June 3, 2019 – Join Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Members of Council for the Philippines Independence Day Celebration and Dr. José Rizal Monument Unveiling on Sunday, June 9 at Luneta Gardens.

 

June 9, 2019, marks 121 years of the Philippines’ independence. The City of Markham is proud of its thousands of residents of Filipino origin who have helped build our great city. We also honour Dr. José Rizal, a national hero of the Philippines, a doctor, teacher, farmer, author, poet and political reformer.

“The Rizal monument is a partnership project the City of Markham and the Filipino Canadian community,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Dr. Rizal fought for freedom though his powerful words, he galvanized and inspired generations of people. This monument recognizes his many accomplishments and celebrates our diversity as one united and inclusive community.”

 

The Dr. José Rizal monument is the newest addition to Markham’s Public Art collection and was generously donated to the City by the Filipino Canadian Community in Markham to celebrate Canada 150.

Public Art was identified as a priority in Markham’s  Integrated Leisure Master Plan,  Culture Plan,  Public Realm Strategy and  Markham’s Official Plan as a means of demonstrating the unique character of the City's neighbourhoods, heritage districts and business areas, enhancing public spaces, defining gateways, creating landmarks, recognizing local culture identity and engaging the public.

Learn more about Markham's Public Art Program.

Who:

• Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti
• Members of Council
• Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business & Export Promotion and
  Member of Parliament, Markham – Thornhill
• Logan Kanapathi, Member of Provincial Parliament, Markham – Thornhill
• Billy Pang, Member of Provincial Parliament, Markham – Unionville
• Former Councillor Alex Chiu and family
• Mogi Mogado, Dr. José Rizal monument sculptor
• Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians
• Dr. Ken Ng

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office: Lama Nicolas, Senior Communications Advisor at lnicolas@markham.ca or 416.671.2890. 

For all other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
Erynn Sally, Media Relations Coordinator at esally@markham.ca or 416.737.2684.

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with over 355,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 400 corporate head offices and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 210 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. Markham has received the Excellence Canada Gold Award for Organizational Quality & Healthy Workplace, and multiple heritage and environmental awards.