Philippine Embassy in Ottawa Exhorts Filipinos During PH Independence Committee of the Ottawa Valley’s Gala

Seated from left to right: Philippine Embassy Administrative Officer Josephine Nacisvalencia, Vice Consul Mary Jaselle Menteer, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Rea G. Oreta, Ms. Rihanna Oreta, and Consul Alexander Joseph Estomo. Standing were PICOV Chair Nora Arriola and Ms. Jovy Hogan

OTTAWA 07 July 2025 — The Embassy of the Philippines in Canada, led by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Rea G. Oreta, participated in the Philippine Independence Day Gala, held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre on 21 June 2025. Led by Philippine Independence Committee of the Ottawa Valley (PICOV) Chairperson, Ms. Nora Arriola, this annual event brought together the Filipino-Canadian community in Ottawa to commemorate the anniversary of Philippine Independence and Filipino Heritage Month in Canada.

In her address, CDA Oreta expressed deep appreciation for the Filipino community’s vital contributions which played a major role in shaping Canada's strength and inclusivity. She also encouraged the community to “continue to advocate for the issues that uplift [our] fellow Filipinos and ensure that [our] contributions are recognized and celebrated. These issues include credential recognition of Filipino professionals in Canada, the establishment of Filipino centers across Canada, and support for the Philippines’ position on the West Philippine Sea. CDA Oreta asked Filipino-Canadians present, “Do not forget the West Philippine Sea.”

Ottawa City Mayor His Worship Mark Sutcliffe, addressed the audience through a video message.

At the start of the event, videos of LOVE Philippines were played as well as the video message of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Highlights of the evening include rendition of “Ako ay Pilipino” by Maria Lili Villamayor, performances of the Philippine Dance Troupe of Ottawa, Gen6 Band, and DJ Mark. PICOV awarded various raffle prizes during the program.

The Philippine Independence Committee of the Ottawa Valley (PICOV) Gala is an annual event which serves as an important platform for uniting the Filipino-Canadian community in Ottawa and celebrating the strength and cultural pride. END

PICOV Chair Nora Arriola (left photo) and CDA Rea G. Oreta (right photo) delivering their remarks.

A video message of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. was played at the start of the event.

Members and guests of the Filipino-Canadian community in Ottawa who participated in the gala.

For more information, visit https://www.ottawape.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philembassy.ca, https://www.facebook.com/PHinCanada/, https://twitter.com/PHinCanada.