Brampton honours Philippine national hero

In honour of Filipino Heritage Month, the city of Brampton renamed a city park dedicated to Dr. José Rizal, one of the greatest heroes of the Philippines.

Brampton’s mayor, Patrick Brown, and Regional Coun. Rowena Santos commemorated the event in a virtual flagraising and unveiling ceremony, sharing their remarks about the impact of Brampton’s Filipino community.

“The Filipino community is one of the fastest growing communities in Peel Region,” said Santos, the first elected city official of Filipino descent.

“Commemorating Dr. José Rizal with a park such as this brings tremendous pride and connection within a community who now call Brampton home. It is a historic reminder and recognition of the contribution of Filipinos,” she said.

The motion was brought forward in 2019 as requested by the Filipino Community through the Canadian chapter of the Knights of Rizal, an order established to honour and uphold the ideals of the national hero.

Rizal, a Filipino writer and nationalist, led the revolution against colonial Spanish rule and fought for Philippine independence until his execution in 1896.

In addition to the newly renamed park, there is also a monument commemorating the hero at North York’s Earl Bales Park.

This is also the first time Filipino Heritage Month is being celebrated in Ontario following a bill brought forward by NDP MPP Doly Begum.