Cornwall celebrates Philippine Independence Day

On June 16, a celebration of the 126th anniversary of Philippine Independence was held at Lamoureux Park. The event, organized by the Cornwall Filipino Community & SDG and the Cornwall & Area Social Development Council, highlighted the rich culture and traditions of the Filipino community.

Event volunteer Justine Viray-Levac emphasized the importance of the holiday, stating, “We are celebrating Philippine Independence Day. June is Heritage Month across Ontario and this is our way of celebrating the Filipino community and showcasing some culture and tradition. It is essentially a day to celebrate our community and our heritage.”

Mayor Justin Towndale, a guest of honor, expressed his gratitude. “I want to thank you so much for celebrating here in Cornwall today. This is the 126th anniversary of Philippine independence and the second time it has been celebrated here in Cornwall. Thank you for sharing our culture and history,” he said.

Senator Bernadette Clement highlighted the contributions of the Filipino community in Canada, stating, “Flordeliz ‘Gigi’ Osler was appointed to the Senate in 2022 and is of Filipino heritage. She is a wonderful representative of the Filipino community.”

The event included traditional dances, live performances and educational sessions, providing attendees with a festive and enlightening experience.