The Philippine Declaration of Independence occurred on June 12, 1898 in the Philippines, where Filipino revolutionary forces under General Emilio Aguinaldo (later to become the Philippines' first Republican President) proclaimed the sovereignty and independence of the Philippine Islands from the colonial rule of Spain after the latter was defeated at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War.
The declaration, however, was not recognized by the United States or Spain, as the Spanish government ceded the Philippines to the United States in the1898 Treaty of Paris, in consideration for an indemnity for Spanish expenses and assets lost.While the Philippines first celebrated its Independence Day on June 12, its independence was only recognized on July 4, 1946 by the United States. Henceforth, Independence Day was observed on July 4, but in the name of nationalism, and upon the advice of historians, Republic Act No. 4166 was signed into law by President Diosdado Macapagal in 1964, proclaiming June 12, which up to that time had been observed as Flag Day, as Independence Day.
I always remember that every June 12, celebrating Independence Day was a holiday in the Philippines. I knew I was happy back then if there's no class but just to enjoy celebrating the Independence Day. There will be some ceremonies, the marching band all around town and sale from the mall. Now, I have heard from my sister that the President of the Philippines moved the holiday on Monday, June 9. I mean what's wrong having it directly to the date, June 12 instead of having a Monday holiday? Better yet, she could have moved it on June 13, Friday to have a 3-day weekend. Well, whatever it is... I hope everyone in the Philippines celebrated Independence Day a happy, full of fun and joyful one.
2 comments:
if you didn't post this blog, i would not realize that today is Independence Day back home. not much interesting memories back then. all i could recall is the significant "no class" but when I was in high school, we were forced to join the "Alay Lakad" which is worse than school. hehehe!
Happy Independence Day, Haze!
hahaha, correct Jacy! it has been bad commemorating the Independence Day back in PI because the real holiday should be June 12 not moving it to any other day just to have a longer holiday, I mean weekends...
Happy Independence day too Jacy!
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