Today, June 12th marks the 111th anniversary of the Philippines declaration of independence. A day which Filipinos celebrate liberation from four centuries of Spanish rule.

 

Originally, the 4th of July (the USA’s day of independence) was considered to be the country’s day of celebration, but it was the ninth president of the Philippines, Diosdado P. Macapagal (father of the current President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) who changed this. He felt that the “American celebration dwarfed that of the Philippines”* and that is “was not inspiring enough.”** June 12  was previously observed as Flag Day, and he thought it “would be a greater inspiration to the youth who would consequently recall the heroes of the revolution against Spain and their acts of sublime heroism and martyrdom.”*** It was these thoughts which motioned the momentous change to bring it back to the original date of independence, the 12th of June.

 

The following excerpt by the Philippines National Artist for Literature, Alejandro Reyes Roces, explains more about the significance of this day. As one of the cabinet members to Diosdado at that time, he not only knows the events that led up to the change, but he also had a part in recommending it to him. He recently wrote an article for his column in the Philippine Star regarding this celebration of independence.

 

“Halfway through the year, the month of June signals many beginnings — the start of the rainy season, the beginning of classes, the new life of newly married couples. Next year, as in previous election years, June will be a new administration under a newly-elected President. More importantly, Filipinos must not forget the importance of June as the month when Filipinos declared their independence from Spain after more than four centuries of Hispanic rule.

 

…The whole nation celebrates 111 years of Philippine Independence. Our people, especially the youth, must not forget the birth of the Philippine nation on June 12, 1898. After many months of struggle and resistance, an immense and jubilant crowd of Filipinos led by Emilio Aguinaldo, gathered in Kawit, Cavite, to proclaim their independence. This was when the Filipino Flag was first hoisted up. It was also during this historic moment that the public first heard the national anthem, majestically played by a marching band.

 

Not long after, following the victorious year in 1898, the United States aggressively pushed its rule over the new republic and was quick to smother the flames of new-found Filipino independence. It was then set on launching and expanding its imperial conquests in the attractive strongholds of the Pacific region, and the Philippines was a perfect strategic point to do so. In 1941, when the Philippines was occupied by the Japanese, General Aguinaldo would again lead the people to unite as one and cooperate wholeheartedly with the United States in order to save our democracy. After combined Filipino and American forces defeated the Japanese in 1946, former US President Harry Truman recognized our impendence, and declared this on July 4, the same day America celebrates its independence. But President Diosdado P. Macapagal officially changed the date of Philippine independence from July 4 to June 12 with a grand celebration in 1962, with Gen. Aguinaldo, then 93, as Guest of Honor. As his Cabinet member, this columnist had the privilege of recommending this change. I believe that countries are supposed to celebrate their independence on the day they declared it, and not as other governments, especially colonizers, recognized it.

 

These great deeds are more than enough reason to celebrate in June; but sadly for many, June 12 is just an ordinary holiday. We should think how our nation and its democracy have progressed from that time our brave heroes have first declared independence. This should make a good topic for our young students to reflect on, one way in which they and the future generations will retain in their memory the sacrifices made by our forefathers more than a century ago.”****

 

So readers, what does this day signify for you?

 

I believe that this day signifies the Philippines’ strength and courage, and being able to retain their identity. I am proud of my heritage and support Roces’ view that we should keep in mind the sacrifices of those gone before us. I also think that we should also not forget the great achievements that have made the Philippines what it is.

 

MABUHAY PILIPINAS!!!

 

——

 

*/**/*** Macapagal, Diosdado. “June 12 as Independence Day” in Hector Santos, ed., Philippine Centennial Series; at http://www.bibingka.com/phg/documents/whyjun12.htm. US, 30 April 1997.

 

**** “Celebrating our freedom” in Roses & Thorns by Alejandro R. Roces / The Philippine Star

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=476442&publicationSubCategoryId=64

 

Posted on 12 June 2009 by Lani in Culture, History

Tagged alejandro r. roces, diosdado p. macapagal, emilio aguinaldo, june 12, philippine independence day