PR-63-2025

The Philippine Embassy in Canada team, led by Ambassador Maria Andrelita S. Austria, together with their families.

10 June 2025, Ottawa – The Philippine Embassy joined the annual Filipino community picnic organized by the Philippine Independence Committee of the Ottawa Valley (PICOV) on Sunday, 8 June 2025, at Larkin Park in Nepean, Ontario. This festive gathering marked the official launch of the month-long celebration of the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Filipino Heritage Month, bringing together Filipino and Canadian families, businesses, and cultural groups in a spirit of unity and national pride.

Philippine Independence day picnic’s traditional parade of colors featuring various Filipino-Canadian businesses and organizations.

A traditional parade of colors showcased various Filipino-Canadian businesses and organizations. In her welcome remarks, PICOV Chairperson Nora Arriola honored Filipino frontliners, artists and professionals for their contributions to Canadian society . Philippine Ambassador to Canada, H.E. Maria Andrelita S. Austria, thanked attendees for coming together to celebrate the shared history, culture, and contributions of the Filipino community.

Photo from top left: Ambassador Austria giving her remarks; top right: Opening remarks of Ms. Nora Arriola, Chairperson of PICOV; bottom left: Ms. Jovy Hogan delivered an a capella rendition of Lupang Hinirang and O Canada; and bottom right: Ottawa Police Service Chief Eric Stubbs.

In her remarks, Ambassador Austria exhorted the community “never [to] underestimate the value you bring to this country.  Nagpapasalamat po tayong lahat na nandito kayo sa Canada at may mas magandang buhay, pero mas dapat po silang magpasalamat sa inyo dahil pinili niyong manirahan dito, pinili niyong maglingkod, magtrabaho, at magcontribute. Hindi po ganito kaganda ang bayan na ito, kung hindi dahil sa mga naidala nyo dito. (While we are all grateful to be here and to enjoy better lives, Canada should be even more grateful to you—for choosing to live, serve, work, and contribute here. This country would not be as great without what you bring) — our culture, our dances, our food, and the games we will see this afternoon, thanks to the efforts of PICOV. This is a celebration of who we are and all that we contribute to Canada.”

Philippine Ambassador Maria Andrelita Austria posed for a group photo with PICOV Chairperson Nora Arriola, Ottawa Police Service Chief Eric Stubbs, Emcee Maria Rodrigue Lee, and the members of the Ottawa Police Service.

Ottawa Police Service Chief Eric Stubbs also joined the morning program and addressed the audience. He praised the Filipino community for its generosity, work ethic, and community spirit—qualities he has witnessed consistently across Canada, including in Ottawa. Joining Chief Stubbs are 9 Canadians of Filipino descent who are members of the Ottawa Police.

The Philippine Embassy hosted a special segment for children featuring beloved traditional Filipino games: kadang-kadang sa bao (top left), sipa (top right), and tumbang preso (bottom left). Prizes were awarded (bottom right).

The Philippine Embassy hosted a special segment for children featuring games such as kadang-kadang sa bao, sipa, and tumbang preso. One can sense the excitement and surprise among the many Filipino and Canadian children of Filipino descent at how fun Filipino games can be. For many of them, it was an introduction to traditional Filipino games.

A Parade of Lechon and Philippine folk dances performed by the Philippine Dance Troupe of Ottawa entertained guests, giving the participants a feel of a traditional “fiesta” in the Philippines.

It was a day full of celebrations - of Filipino talent, entrepreneurship, and family life featuring performances from local Filipino talents, providing a venue for family recreational activities and promoting Filipino-Canadian businesses.

Approximately 700 members of the Filipino-Canadian community in Ottawa remarkably came together for this year's Independence Day picnic right at the heart of Canada’s capital. END