Today, as we Filipinos celebrates the most significant dates in the Philippine’s history. Our Independence Day because it marks the nation’s independence from the Spanish rule on June 12, 1898.
The annual June 12 observance of Philippine’s Independence Day came into effect after past President Diosdado Macapagal signed the Republic Act No. 4166 regarding this matter on August 4, 1964. This Act legalized the holiday, which is based on the Declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898 by General Emilio Aguinaldo and Filipino revolutionary forces from the Spanish colonization. The Philippines’ flag was raised and its national anthem was played for the first time in 1898. However, liberty was short-lived because Spain and the United States did not recognize the declaration.
The 1898 Treaty of Paris ended the war between Spain and the United States. Spain surrendered the entire archipelago comprising the Philippines to the United States. The Philippines started a revolt against the United States in 1899 and achieved national sovereignty on July 4, 1946, through the Treaty of Manila. Independence Day was officially observed on July 4 until the Republic Act No. 4166, which set out to move the holiday to June 12, was approved on August 4, 1964.
The Philippine’s Independence Day is a national holiday so government offices are closed. There are absolutely no classes in all schools. Many business establishments are closed except shopping centers. Public transport such as buses, passenger jeeps, and tricycles still operate but their routes may be limited due to the closure of streets used for parades. Employees covered by the Holiday Pay Rule are entitled to their daily basic wage for any unworked regular holiday.
Independence Day is a day when many people, including government officials, employees, and students, participate in nationwide parades. However, the main highlight is the police and military parade in Manila headed by the country’s incumbent president, followed by a speech and a 21-gun salute. Many Filipinos spend the day in parks and nowadays malls. Many Filipino communities in other countries also observe the nation’s Independence Day celebrations.
Happy Independence day to everyone and enjoy the freedom that we have today. But remember that the value of freedom is immeasurable. None understand this more than the proud members of the Filipino race, who through countless generations have fought for the right to be, recognized as free men. The blood of their heroes that light the path of history stand testament to the continuing struggle of the Filipino people for independence.
The fight for freedom continues, from the time of Lapu-lapu to the present. Today the Filipino struggles with poverty and various domestic problems that, like the foreign invaders of the past, limit the freedom of the citizenry. However, like their forefathers before them, Filipinos will prevail because of their constant tenacity. The hunger for freedom is insatiable, but the fight must be continued.
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