COCHRANE— Filling the streets of Cochrane with balloons, music and joy, the Filipino Canadian Association of Cochrane celebrated Philippine Independence Day with a historic car parade.
The Cochrane Filipino community gathered together on Friday (June 12) to celebrate the countries independence and mark the start of Filipino heritage month, said Edwin Aguanta vice president of the Filipino Canadian Association of Cochrane.
“This is a great way for us to show our solidarity as Filipinos here in Cochrane and a way to really show the pride and the culture,” Aguanta said. “We are a very united community here in Cochrane.”
June 12 marks the liberation of their homeland and the declaration of freedom proclaimed by General Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898— a freedom hard won through revolution. The Philippines gained full independence on July 4, 1946, and the event is celebrated each year by Filipinos around the world.
Aguanta said the Filipino community is growing in Cochrane, explaining that more than 1,000 Filipinos are currently living in Cochrane.
The Filipino Canadian Association of Cochrane planned a motorcade commemorating independence while celebrating and expressing their gratitude to the Town of Cochrane for the support they have shown to the Filipino community, Aguanta said.
He added that the event also served as an opportunity to give thanks to front line workers in Cochrane.
“They really are helping us in the front line battle against COVID-19,” Aguanta said. He added the procession went to areas that have health care workers including Bethany Cochrane and Grand Avenue Village.
The group met at the Cochrane Ranche parking lot before setting out on their journey.
It was a day of firsts for the association, Aguanta said, explaining that it was their inaugural motorcade and independent celebration in the community.
“It’s historic to the Filipino community here,” Aguanta said. “This is our first time ever that we have done it on our own.”
It was an exciting and joyous day being able to unite together, he said, explaining that there was an uncertainty that they would be able to gather and celebrate given the COVID-19 public health measures. They were originally planning a walking parade but this was not possible due to social distancing measures.
“The Filipino community was clamouring for a celebration in whatever way we can,” Aguanta said.
Working in tandem with the Independence Day celebrations, the Filipino Canadian Association of Cochrane hosted a food drive and was able to distribute more than 100 sacks of rice and grocery bags to families in need.
Aguanta said the food drive demonstrates one of the many ways the Filipino culture is resilient and shows how they are ready to rise to the challenge of COVID-19 to ensure no one gets left behind.
“We’re really proud of what we are doing right now— This is a labour of love," he said. “This is our way of helping out our fellow Filipino families."
