COCHRANE— A small group of proud Cochranites gathered Saturday (June 12) to celebrate Philippine Independence Day.
Filipino Canadian Association of Cochrane vice president Edwin Aguanta said they were excited to host a small celebration marking the Philippines’ national Independence Day.
To mark the occasion the Filipino Canadian Association hosted a flag-raising party with the organization's officers, board members and some families at the Historic Cochrane Ranche.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to really commemorate the 123rd Philippine Independence,” Aguanta said. “This is one simple celebration for the Filipino community here in Cochrane, and also in all of Canada.”
The Filipino Canadian Association of Cochrane marked the day with dancing, singing of the Filipino national anthem and a small picnic which included a special cake decorated with the flag of the county.
June 12 marks the liberation of the Philippines and the declaration of freedom proclaimed by General Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898. The country's freedom was made possible through a hard-fought revolution, and the event is celebrated each year by Filipinos around the world. The country later gained full independence on July 4, 1946.
Aguanta added the month of June has been declared Filipino Independence Month by the government of Alberta.
It was an exciting and joyous day being able to unite together, he said, explaining there was some uncertainty that they would be able to gather and celebrate given the COVID-19 public health measures.
Next year the Filipino Canadian Association of Cochrane is hoping to host a grand celebration as they can plan for an event free of COVID-19 public health measures. The goal is to begin planning for the 2022 celebrations months in advance so it can be a joyous and fun occasion for the whole community.
“We’re going to make it up for next year,” Aguanta exclaimed. “Next year it will fall on a Sunday and that’s a good day because normally Sundays are free for all families.”
President Mike Bautista said it was fun having a simple celebration to mark Independence Day.
The day was made all the sweeter, he added, because for many it is one of the first in-person events they have been able to partake in for a long time.
He is grateful for those who made the celebration possible, and to those that support the Filipino community in Cochrane year-round, and the way the Filipino community gathers to support others whenever there is a need.
It was important to mark the national holiday, especially because it has been challenging to return to the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bautista said his favourite part of the day was raising the flag of the Philippines and the pride that comes with waving it.
“In the Philippines, it’s a very big celebration,” Bautista said. “We celebrate it every year.”
