Philippines: Bakit Nga Ba June 12 Ang Independence Day Natin?

Okay, raise your hand if you learned about July 4th being Philippine Independence Day way back in elementary school. 🙋‍♀️ Yep, me too! It can be confusing, right? Let’s unpack this historical puzzle and understand why we celebrate Philippine Independence Day every June 12th.

From July 4th to June 12th: A Short History Lesson

You see, our path to independence was a long and winding road. Let’s break it down:

1898: Remember the Cry of Pugad Lawin? That brave act kicked off the Philippine Revolution against Spain.
June 12, 1898: This is the important one! This is the date General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed Philippine independence from Spain in Kawit, Cavite. He waved our beautiful flag for the first time! 🇵🇭
1899-1902: The Philippine-American War happened. 😔 We fought for our freedom, but the US ultimately took control.
July 4, 1946: Remember the Treaty of Manila you mentioned? This is when the US officially recognized our independence – after almost 50 years of being under their rule.

So, why the change from July 4th? Well, you’re right, President Diosdado Macapagal had something to do with it!

President Macapagal’s Bold Move 💪

Many Filipinos felt that celebrating independence on July 4th was like celebrating a “fake freedom.” We were finally free from the US, but it was a reminder of a painful past.

President Macapagal wanted us to remember and honor the true date of our independence – the day we declared it ourselves back in 1898! He believed that June 12th was a more accurate and meaningful representation of our national identity.

Other Context of the Story

He looked at July 4th and saw a date that celebrated America more than it did the Philippines.

Imagine this: It’s our supposed Independence Day, but everyone’s flocking to the American Embassy for the party! Meanwhile, Malacañang Palace is practically a ghost town. 👻 Talk about awkward!

President Macapagal wasn’t having any of it. He knew that true Philippine Independence deserved its own day, a day solely focused on our victory and our identity as Filipinos. 🇵🇭

So, in 1962, he signed Proclamation No. 28, moving Independence Day to June 12th. But why June 12th, you ask?

More Than Just a Date Change

Changing the date wasn’t just about historical accuracy. It was about:

National Pride: Celebrating June 12th reminds us of the courage and sacrifices our ancestors made to fight for a free Philippines. ✊
Self-Determination: It emphasizes that our independence was something we earned, not something that was given to us.
Moving Forward: It marked a new chapter in our history, allowing us to move forward as a truly independent nation.

Celebrating Our Freedom 🎉

June 12th isn’t just another holiday. It’s a time to:

Remember Our Heroes: Let’s honor the bravery of our national heroes who fought for our freedom.
Reflect on Our History: Understanding our past helps us appreciate our present and shape our future.
Celebrate Our Culture: It’s a day to be proud of being Filipino! Wear your Barong Tagalog or Filipiniana, enjoy some delicious Filipino food, and celebrate with your loved ones.

So, there you have it! Now you know why June 12th holds such a special place in our hearts. It’s a day to celebrate our hard-won independence and to remember the true meaning of being Filipino. Mabuhay! 🇵🇭