Philippines Independence Day: Appreciating The Sacrifices of Our National Heroes

Under the leadership of Americans, the Philippines was made a commonwealth, and semi-independent in 1935. Literacy rate also increased as many American teachers were sent to the Philippines. The USA promised that the Philippines would become completely independent in 1945.

On December 10, 1941, Japan invaded the Philippines, and captured Manila. All of the Philippines was now in the hands of the Japanese. In October 1944, American troops returned to the Philippines and recaptured Manila. The Philippines became independent on 4 July 1946. Manuel Roxas was the first president of the newly independent nation.

Filipinos commemorated the declaration of Philippine independence on July 4, which is the same day as the American Independence Day. However, it was only in 1962 that June 12 was declared as the country's day of freedom through a presidential proclamation issued by President Diosdado Macapagal. This change of date was further cemented through Republic Act No. 4166 in 1964. It was moved to June 12 because it was the birth of the independent Filipino nation. Various leaders of local governments nationwide gave their extraordinary support and unity to the proclamation of June 12 as Independence Day.

Macapagal said the proclamation of Philippine independence on June 12, 1898, gave colonial Asia its first free and united nation.

Celebrating a happy Independence Day every June 12 in the Philippines is important to the Filipino people because this is the time where the country has gained independence from the hundreds of years of colonialism. 

According to Cebu Daily Inquirer, there are 3 important reasons to why we should all celebrate Independence Day and these are:

1.     To remember the sacrifices of our heroes and appreciate sovereignty. We should remember the sacrifices our national heroes had made in the past so that we could achieve independence today. We should appreciate and give recognition for their heroic and revolutionary acts. These heroic acts should be appreciated as much as we appreciate the endowment of sovereignty.

2.     To show your love for the country. It is not only important to celebrate this holiday, but it is also important not to forget its significance for the Philippines. Many Filipinos offered their talents and skills and put their lives at risk to achieve our independence.

3.     To spread awareness with Filipino culture. We should also take this day as an opportunity for us to appreciate Filipino heritage, culture, and tradition from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

We, as Filipino citizens should always remember that we don’t celebrate this day only as a national holiday but we celebrate this day to commemorate for the heroic deeds our national heroes had done for our country appreciate what they have done for the country's independence, their stories should be an inspiration for modern citizens to have nationalism and continue to have love for the country. 

REFERENCES:

Independence Day Philippines: Unknown Facts | History. (2021). Retrieved 2 July 2021, from https://www.zenrooms.com/blog/post/independence-day-philippines/

Philippine independence declared. (2021). Retrieved 2 July 2021, from https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/philippine-independence-declared

PNP chief urges groups to hold Independence Day rallies online instead. (2021). Retrieved 2 July 2021, from https://www.philstar.com/nation/2021/06/11/2104763/pnp-chief-urges-groups-hold-independence-day-rallies-online-instead

Tupas, E. (2021). 10 held in Cavite Independence Day rites. Retrieved 2 July 2021, from https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/06/13/1925886/10-held-cavite-independence-day-rites

Perez-Rubio, B. (2021). US wishes Philippines a 'prosperous' Independence Day amid VFA uncertainty . Retrieved 2 July 2021, from https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/06/11/2020223/us-wishes-philippines-prosperous-independence-day-amid-vfa-uncertainty

Three important reasons to remember Independence Day. (2020). Retrieved 2 July 2021, from https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/317660/three-important-reasons-to-remember-independence-day

Why June 12 is the pinnacle of Philippine independence . (2020). Retrieved 2 July 2021, from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1105697