Photo Caption: The Philippine Embassy in Canada unfurls the banner and waves flaglets while waiting for the start of the parade of colors in celebration of the 119th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
11 June 2017, Vincent Massey Park, Ottawa – The Philippine Embassy in Canada, headed by Ambassador Petronila P. Garcia, attended the annual Independence Day picnic organized by the Philippine Independence Day Committee of the Ottawa Valley (PICOV) held at the Vincent Massey Park in Ottawa.
Members of the Filipino community in Ottawa brought traditional Filipino food to the delight of Canadian spectators who flocked and gathered at Vincent Massey Park to share the fun and excitement of the much awaited “Parada ng mga Lechon,” cultural performances and sports activities.
Two members of the Ottawa Police Service, Sergeant Maria Keen and Constable John Flores, were present during the occasion to ensure the safety and security of the venue and led the parade of colors as a symbolic gesture of support and solidarity to the Filipino Community.
Photo Caption: (L-R) Consul Jeffrey Salik, Mrs.Jasn Salik, Mrs. Joyce Tamayo, Constable John Flores, Consul General Eric Gerardo Tamayo (partially covered in the background), Ambassador Petronila P. Garcia, Ms. Sonia Del Rosario, Sergeant Maria Keen and PICOV Chairperson Nora Arriola pose for a souvenir photograph during the Independence Day celebration at Vincent Massey Park.
Ambassador Petronila P. Garcia, in her remarks, cited the theme for the 2017 Independence Day Celebration - Kalayaan 2017: Pagbabagong Sama-samang Balikatin, and underscored the importance of unity and cooperation for the advancement of the Philippines. She also encouraged members of the Filipino community to exercise their right to vote in the coming mid-term national elections in May 2019 by registering at the Embassy for overseas voting.
To further highlight the 2017 Philippine Independence Day Celebration, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson presented a plaque to Ms. Nora Arriola, PICOV Chairperson, in the presence of the Ambassador, which officially declared 10-18 June 2017 as Philippines Heritage Week in the City of Ottawa. –END