A monument representing Glendale and its ties to the Filipino American community in the California city has been unveiled. Spearheaded by the Filipino American Business Association of Glendale (FABAG-GLAC), it will be the city’s first Filipino landmark. The Filipino American Friendship Monument symbolizes more than friendship, according to Glendale Mayor Paula Devine.
“This will symbolize the dedication of this Filipino community to bring a project like this together. To stay together for 32 years, that in itself is an accomplishment,” Devine said.
FABAG-GLAC reiterates that the project represents the inter-cultural relations generated between Glendale residents and the Filipino American community, including the businesses. FABAG-GLAC has been active in its outreach work within Glendale, from its outreach programs to community service projects, according to ABS-CBN News.
“For many years of unwavering help and support and for warmly welcoming Fil-Ams and to this day, fully embracing [their] heritage and culture. And to the adjacent communities for helping FABAG-GLAC maintain its highest levels of service, trust and integrity,” the organization said.
This relationship, which has spanned over 30 years, is now memorialized through the Friendship Monument.
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The monument, standing at six feet, is made of marble and features symbols such as a tribute to the late Ruby De Vera, co-founder of FABAG-GLAC, according to ABS-CBN News. The monument will be a permanent fixture outside the Adult Recreation Center in Glendale’s downtown.
Around 15,000 Filipinos live in Glendale, making up seven percent of the population, according to ABS-CBN News. While Glendale is not quite a Filipino migration hub like Daly City (dubbed “Manila of Northern California”), the Filipino population in Glendale has grown by two-thirds in the past twenty years, according to the LA Times.
This is not the first time the city has acknowledged its Filipino population. In 2013, the City Council designated October as Filipino American History Month, according to the LA Times.
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