Filipinos in Ottawa Hold Philippine Independence Day Thanksgiving Mass
Left: Rev. Fr. Pedro Arana leads the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass celebrating the 119th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence. Right: Ambassador Garcia (center) joins the celebration together with PICOV Chairperson Nora Arriola, Consul General Eric Gerardo Tamayo, Embassy personnel and the Filipino community
15 June 2017 OTTAWA – Opening the week-long celebration of the 119th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Philippines, the Philippine Embassy in Canada, headed by Ambassador Petronila P. Garcia, attended the thanksgiving mass organized by the Philippine Independence Day Committee of the Ottawa Valley (PICOV) held at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish on June 10.
Reverend Father Pedro Arana led the celebration of the Holy Eucharist which was attended by more than a hundred parishioners belonging to different Filipino community organizations in Ottawa. Fr. Arana noted in his homily the importance of preserving our independence which the present generation inherited from our forefathers who fought, bled, and died in the pursuit of freedom and democracy.
After the celebration of the Mass, Ambassador Garcia graced a short program where she invited the Filipino community in Ottawa to join the upcoming celebrations in celebration of Philippine independence organized by PICOV.
Ambassador Garcia noted the importance of the on-going registration for overseas voting for the mid-term national elections in May 2019 and encouraged the Filipino community to participate in this endeavor so that their voices may be heard on issues of national interest. She also announced that preparations are on-going for the much-awaited fifth edition Winter Escapade, traditionally held in the first quarter of the succeeding year, which would offer Filipino-Canadians an opportunity to bask under the sun and enjoy Filipino hospitality at the height of winter in Canada. END
For more information, visit www.ottawape.dfa.gov.ph / www.philembassy.ca or https://www.facebook.com/philippineembassy.ottawa/?ref=br_rs.