Milpitas park honoring Filipino farmers officially opens

Delano Manongs Park in Milpitas | Photo from the City of Milpitas

There’s nothing more rewarding than having a park named after our Filipino-American farmers who have left a significant impact in US history. 

And the unveiling of Delano Manongs Park in Milpitas, California during Filipino American History Month is yet another momentous occasion for the community.

Located at 1650 McCandless Drive, its inauguration on Oct. 14 was nothing short of a Pinoy fiesta with live performances from the local community and the presence of Mayor Carmen Montano.

While the park’s commemoration of Delano Manongs is still in the works, Mayor Montano said in a press release that “this is an unbelievably historic event in Milpitas. It is only fitting that we designate this space to memorialize a great example of what it means to stand up for what is right and coming together to enable change.” 

DELANO MANONGS PARK IS OPEN YALL 🥰💥🫡💗🇵🇭☀️🤩⭐️🌟💫 pic.twitter.com/2ogiejymfD

— dandan (@dandanlazo) November 6, 2022

This four-acre historical landmark has a sports field, picnic areas, kids’ playground, and walking trails. It also boasts a portable water well, a pedestrian bridge, and public toilets.

The faces behind the Delano Manongs Park

Delano Manongs, the heroes behind the park’s name, are a group of Filipino farmers. Led by community organizer and Fil-Am activist Larry Itliong alongside Pete Velasco and Philip Vera Cruz, the Delano Manongs set the stage for one of the most significant labor movements in American history—the Delano Grape Strike in 1965.

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The group fought for better wages and working conditions for Filipino Americans. Derived from the Ilocano word “manongs” (older brother or uncle), the “manongs” spearheaded the Filipino-American agricultural workforce.

Just as how the “manongs” showed resilience and unity, the Delano Manong Park’s journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Its opening was delayed last year due to some contractual and regulatory issues. 

Fiesta and Grand opening of Delano Manongs Park. It was a big honor to be part of this event.#lifeofanentrepreneur #entrepreneurlife #businesswoman #networking #milpitas pic.twitter.com/eXz33XsNDU

— Dorotea Tuzon (@DoroteaTuzon) October 15, 2023

But that’s all behind now after the endeavor gained unanimous votes, followed by the Mayor and City Council’s approval in February.