FREEDOM.FUTURE.HISTORY
June 12 marks the 125th year of Philippines independence, a testament to how Filipinos valiantly fought for democracy and recognition from oppressors throughout the centuries.
In celebration of the annual nationwide event, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) is holding a month-long festivity with the central theme, “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan. (Freedom. Future. History.)”
Some activities in line with Independence Day include concerts, parades, ceremonies, and job fairs across the country from June 11 to 30.
Advocating freedom and a better future
The freedom Filipinos enjoy today is a result of the courage of earlier generations. And many organizations and government agencies organized ventures to preserve the privileges of independence.
For instance, the NHCP will also launch the #BatangMalaya campaign on Independence Day to create a safe space for Filipino children and help push forward a child labor-free country, coinciding with the International Labor Organization’s 2023 World Day Against Child Labour.
Moreover, in partnership with the NHCP, the Department of Labor and Employment is hosting the Kalayaan Job Fair 2023 nationwide on June 12.
Other cultural organizations and educational discussions will also highlight the anniversary of Philippine Independence. An example is the bike initiative titled “Lakbay Aral, Rutang Makabayan 2023: Bike Ride para sa Kalayaan, Kapayapaan, at Katarungan” from BAYAN at the University of the Philippines Diliman Oblation in Quezon City.
It will stroll through different historical sites in Quezon City, San Juan, and Manila, allowing participants to understand the history of heroes, who fought for freedom and democracy. The route will end at Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila.
Those feeling more festive can partake in the Human Rights and People Empowerment to the “MiyerKULET! Freedom Extravaganza” every Wednesday and Friday, 6 p.m., from June to July, at the Rooftop of Fil Garcia Tower, Kalayaan Avenue, in Quezon City. The event features films, live performances, and discussions.
Attracting the youth to participate in the annual celebration is also a primary goal among groups and organizations to continue the Philippines’ appreciation of the independence Filipinos have enjoyed and continued to do so for centuries.
Katribu Youth, in collaboration with Katribu PUP and Katribu University Belt, invites the public to an educational discussion titled “YARN: Paghabi ng Isyu at Kwento ng Paglaban ng Pambansang Minortya,”on June 13, Wednesday, at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Besides local organizations and government agencies, the Philippine Embassy of Israel is joining the celebrations with a cultural festival dubbed “Halina sa Hayarkon: Magsama-sama sa Kalayaan.” The event will feature songs and cultural dances by the Filipino community in the Middle East on Saturday, June 17, at the Sky Town, HaYarkon Park, in Tel Aviv.
Understanding history
The Philippines declared independence from Spain in 1898. Along with the many heroic efforts to free the country from colonization during earlier years, the move ignited a fire among local patriots to further their efforts in giving Filipinos the freedom they deserve.
Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the Philippines, issued a decree on June 5, 1898, proclaiming June 12 of the same year as Independence Day. The Philippine flag was officially unfurled for the first time, while the Nacional Filipina played at his house, then known as Cavite El Viejo.
Around 190 municipal presidents from the 16 provinces controlled by the revolutionary army promulgated the proclamation in Bacoor, Cavite on August 1, 1898. The Malolos Congress officially ratified it on September 29, 1898.
However, the Philippines failed to win global recognition for its independence, especially from the United States of America and Spain. Eventually, the Spanish government ceded the Philippines to the United States via the 1898 Treaty of Paris. The Philippine Revolutionary Government didn’t heed the treaty, and disagreements from both sides became the Philippine-American war.
Despite the setback, early Filipinos didn’t stop fighting for their freedom.
Finally earning recognition
After much resistance from Filipino troops, the United States formally recognized the independence of the Republic of the Philippines. It was the culmination of the process that began in 1916 when the Jones Law pledged the recognition of Philippine Independence and the Philippine Independence Act of 1934, which provided a 10-year transitional government to prepare the country.
Manuel Roxas commemorated the momentous event by retaking his oath as President of the Philippines. By July 4, 1946, the United States formally recognized the independence of the Republic of the Philippines. At first, the celebration was held on the fourth of July, coinciding with the United States’ own Independence Day.
By 1962, the late President Diosdado Macapagal issued Proclamation No. 28, which effectively moved the date of Philippine Independence from the American date to June 12, the initial date Aguinaldo proclaimed independence from Spain.
Macapagal, during his proclamation, said that “the establishment of the Philippine Republic by the Revolutionary Government under General Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898, marked our people’s declaration and exercise of their right to self-determination, liberty, and independence,” further solidifying why the date holds much relevance to Filipinos and their sense of self.
Eventually, Macapagal adopted the perspective of historians and many political leaders about how June 12 was the day the nation was founded, and July 4, as the restoration of the independence many fought for in the early years.
Freedom. Future. History. These are the three primary values emphasized in the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence. Modern-day Filipinos enjoy the liberty they have today because of the valiant efforts of the patriots that came before them. It’s these privileges that allow them to progress toward the future.
Yet what’s most relevant with the continuous celebration of Philippine Independence is that people should continue appreciating what June 12 means to the country, especially to future generations, who will continue to uphold nationalism. After all, looking back on history is how they can truly appreciate what they have in the present and for years to come.
So here’s to 125 years of Philippine Independence and more to come.
