Philippine Heritage Week Celebrated in Ottawa
12 June 2013 - Joining Filipino communities across Canada in the observance of the 115th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Independence Committee in the Ottawa Valley (PICOV) celebrated Philippine Heritage Week from June 9 to 15 in partnership with the Philippine Embassy, the Ottawa City Government, and the Ottawa Police Service (OPS).
Annual Independence Day Picnic
The festivities began with the declaration of Philippine Heritage Week by His Worship, Mayor Jim Watson of Ottawa, during the annual Filipino community picnic at Vincent Massey Park on June 9. Joining him were officers of the Ottawa Police Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Thousands gathered for the Filipino community's biggest event every year organized by the PICOV with the support of the Philippine Embassy.
"God must love the Philippines for giving us good weather today," Mayor Watson told the crowd that packed the park following successive days of rain. He urged citizens of Ottawa to join the Filipino community in celebrating a vibrant heritage. For his part, Philippine Ambassador Leslie Gatan conveyed the greetings of President Benigno S. Aquino III and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. Del Rosario. The Ambassador also rallied the community to contribute to inclusive growth in the Philippines.
De rigeur in Filipino fiestas, native songs, dances performed by BIBAK and the Philippine Dance Troup of Ottawa (PDOT) and food enlivened the day-long picnic. Bigger and better this year, the traditional Parada ng Lechon, was the main event that drew Filipino families from as far away as Kingston, Ontario. The Philippine Center Canada (PCC) bagged the first prize with a lechon sunbathing atop a paraw towed by a kalabaw. The second and third prizes went to the San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir's Maria Clara and the Embassy of the Philippines' Pandanggo sa Ilaw themed entries.
Philippine Flag Ceremony at Ottawa City Hall
In keeping with a tradition dating back to the 60's, Mayor Watson raised the Philippine flag at the Ottawa City Hall on June 12 along with Ambassador Gatan. The Mayor acknowledged the many contributions of the strong and vibrant Filipino community to the City of Ottawa. He also extolled Filipinos for their social, economic and cultural dynamism and thanked them for adding to the richness of Ottawa's multicultural fabric.
In response, Ambassador Gatan thanked Mayor Watson for demonstrating solidarity with the Filipino community through the latter's declaration of Philippine Heritage Week. The Ambassador expressed confidence in the Filipino community's support for the Mayor and urged Filipinos to work with City Hall towards the establishment of a Philippine community center in the Canadian capital.
Mrs. Nora Arriola, President of PICOV, observed that while many Filipinos in Ottawa have long acquired Canadian citizenship, they remain proud of their heritage and that traditions such as the declaration of the Philippine Heritage Week and flag raising ceremony at City Hall reinforce the community's strong ties to the motherland.
Philippine Flag Day at the Ottawa Police Service
For the third year running, the Ottawa Police Service paid tribute to the Filipino community through its Flag and Banner Recognition Program on June 12.
The top brass of the Ottawa police force was in attendance to honor Philippine Independence Day. Speaking for the Ottawa Police Services Board, Mr. Carl Nicholson welcomed the opportunity to learn more of Filipino culture and felt fortunate to live in a country that embraces all cultures. OPS Chief Charles Bordeleau looked forward to building a strong relationship between the Police Service and the Filipino community to keep the city safe.
PICOV Chairperson Nora Arriola remarked that the annual celebration of Philippine Independence Day was especially significant to Filipinos overseas as a time of reflection. She thanked OPS for keeping Ottawa safe and Filipino-Canadian police officers Maria Keen and John Flores for making the community proud.
In his speech, Ambassador Gatan cited the great strides made by the Philippine government in making the country's economy among the top performers in Asia and recognized the contributions of the Filipino diaspora in Canada to the Philippines' GDP growth.
To better acquaint the men and women of the Ottawa police force with Philippine history and culture, the Himig Chorale Pilipino Ensemble rendered beloved Filipino songs while Maria Rosales declaimed Carlos P. Romulo's I Am A Filipino. The ceremonies ended in a cake ceremony and reception.
The Philippine Heritage Week festivities culminated in the PICOV Ball on June 14 with the Honorable Senator Tobias Enverga, Jr. as guest of honor and a fluvial parade organized by Philippine Center Canada on June 15 at the Lac Leamy Park. END
