Officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy (above photo), led by Ambassador Maria Andrelita S. Austria (middle), together with members of the Filipino community (below photo) during the Picnic.
12 June 2023, Ottawa – The Philippine Embassy in Canada joined around 700 members of the Filipino-Canadian community in Ottawa in their celebration of the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence at a picnic held at Capital Memorial Gardens, Ottawa, on Sunday, 11 June 2023.
After the parade of colors by different Filipino organizations, Philippine Independence Committee of the Ottawa Valley (PICOV) Chairperson Nora Arriola welcomed and thanked the community for the continued support to the month-long celebration of Philippine Independence in Ottawa. She highlighted the struggles of countless Filipino men and women who fought for freedom. Philippine Ambassador to Canada, H.E. Maria Andrelita S. Austria highlighted the significant contributions of Filipinos in Canadian society and encouraged them to support Filipino professionals and business owners. Member of Parliament Pierre Poilievre also joined the morning program and addressed the audience.
Filipinos from Ottawa and nearby cities brought traditional Filipino food at the venue and shared the fun and excitement of the much-awaited “Parada ng Lechon,” cultural performances, and sports activities. It was the comeback of the Independence Day picnic event since the pandemic.
The month-long Independence Day celebration is being organized in partnership with the Philippine Independence Council of the Ottawa Valley. END