Clockwise from top left: Mayor Watson presents the official declaration of Filipino Heritage Week to PICOV Chair Nora Arriola; Members of the Philippine Embassy at the start of the parade; Deputy Chief of Mission Francisco Noel Fernandez III together with Mayor Watson and Filipino-Canadian members of the Ottawa Police Service; The Philippine Dance Troupe of Ottawa performs the Tinikling; and Parada ng mga Lechon winner Philippine Center of Canada (PCC).

10 June 2018, Ottawa – The Philippine Embassy in Canada joined an estimated two thousand visitors as they gathered at Ottawa’s Vincent Massey Park for the annual Independence Day Picnic organized by the Philippine Independence Committee of the Ottawa Valley (PICOV). The picnic was attended by representatives of the different Filipino organizations in Ottawa and other guests who came together to commemorate the 120th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

Tables laden with traditional food from the different regions of the Philippines were set up throughout the park as guests took their fill of the delicacies being given away in true fiesta style. The customary “Parada ng mga Lechon” (Parade of the Roast Pigs) was also held, displaying lechon dressed up as a Katipunero, Maria Clara, a policeman, and lechon riding a jeepney and a boat.

Volleyball and chess tournaments were conducted throughout the day while performers entertained the audience with a talent show.

Mayor Jim Watson joined the opening ceremony of the Picnic and presented PICOV with the official declaration of Filipino Heritage Week. Filipino Heritage Week runs from June 9 to 16, 2018. Philippine Ambassador to Canada Petronila Garcia thanked Mayor Watson for attending the picnic and congratulated the Filipino community of Ottawa for the successful event. END.