16 June 2023, Ottawa –  The Philippine Embassy in Canada, led by Ambassador Maria Andrelita S. Austria, joined more than 500 guests during the annual Gala organized by the Philippine Independence Committee of the Ottawa Valley (PICOV) on 16 June 2023, at the Infinity Convention Center in Ottawa. Led by PICOV’s chairperson, Ms. Nora Arriola, the gala was held to commemorate Philippine Heritage Month and the 125th  Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

In her remarks as guest of honor, Ambassador Austria highlighted the accomplishments of Filipinos in Canada in different sectors and encouraged them to continue being involved in organizations and communities, to support Philippine products, and advocate for causes that benefit our kababayan, both in Canada and back home. Ambassador Austria thanked PICOV for making Philippine Independence Day celebrations memorable and meaningful for the Ottawa community, and enjoined the attendees to continue honoring and preserving the Filipino values and culture, and share these not only with the younger generation of Filipino-Canadians but also to the non-Filipinos in their community. Ambassador Austria added that, “a better understanding of who we are as a people will allow other cultures to not just know us, but also value and respect our unique contributions to Canada.”

Ottawa Mayor His Worship Mark Sutcliffe, Members of Parliament Pierre Poilievre, Chandra Arya, Michael Barrett, and Marcus Powlowski also joined the event and addressed the audience.

Highlights of the evening include Rigodon de Honor dance, fashion show of Philippine dresses in different era, performances of Tinikling and Binasuan by the Philippine Dance Troupe of Ottawa (PDTO), renditions of “Ako ay Pilipino” and Tuwing Umuulan” by local singer Katrina Castillo, Filipino folk songs performed on angklungs by the PDTO, and self-composed rap song, “Hugas Kamay”, by Onse Vergara. PICOV awarded various raffle prizes during the program. END.