OXNARD : 400 Filipino-Americans Note Independence Day
About 400 Filipino-Americans gathered Saturday in Oxnard to celebrate Philippine Independence Day by holding a 40-car motorcade parade and cultural activities.
It was the first time Filipinos in Ventura County united as a group to celebrate their country’s holiday, said Buddy Valencerina, chairman of the event. The eight-hour celebration, centered in College Estates Park in south Oxnard, featured a one-hour motorcade ride through Oxnard, Filipino foods, folk dances and other entertainment.
The Philippines gained independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. It gained a second independence from the United States on July 4, 1946, after both sides agreed to terminate the Commonwealth government of the Philippines.
In 1963, then-Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal declared June 12 as Philippine Independence Day.
Valencerina said he was pleased to see Filipinos come together as a large group to celebrate independence day.
“We want to be visible and we want people to know that we exist,” Valencerina said.
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