OXNARD : 400 Filipino-Americans Note Independence Day
- Share via
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.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
