123rd Philippines Independence Day

           The Independence Day Philippines is commemorated every June 12. After hundreds of years under the Spanish rule, Emilio Aguinaldo has waved the Philippine flag for the very first time and declared independence in Kawit, Cavite.

           With a government in operation, Aguinaldo thought that it was necessary to declare the independence of the Philippines. He believed that such a move would inspire the people to fight more eagerly against the Spaniards and at the same time, lead the foreign countries to recognize the independence of the country. Mabini, who had by now been made Aguinaldo's unofficial adviser, objected. He based his objection on the fact that it was more important to reorganize the government in such a manner as to convince the foreign powers of the competence and stability of the new government than to proclaim Philippine independence at such an early period. Aguinaldo, however, stood his ground and won.

            On June 12, between four and five in the afternoon, Aguinaldo, in the presence of a huge crowd, proclaimed the independence of the Philippines at Cavite el Viejo (Kawit). For the first time, the Philippine National Flag, made in Hongkong by Mrs. Marcela Agoncillo, assisted by Lorenza Agoncillo and Delfina Herboza, was officially hoisted and the Philippine National March played in public. The Act of the Declaration of Independence was prepared by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, who also read it. A passage in the Declaration reminds one of another passage in the American Declaration of Independence. The Philippine Declaration was signed by ninety-eight persons, among them an American army officer who witnessed the proclamation. The proclamation of Philippine independence was, however, promulgated on August 1 when many towns has already been organized under the riles laid down by the Dictatorial Government.

             The Independence Day is commemorated through parades around the country, with the biggest being a military and police parade in Manila, followed by a speech from the president. Filipino communities in other countries around the world also choose to celebrate this day.  But because of the pandemic, the usual celebration changed to halt the spread of the virus. The Philippines celebrated its 123rd Independence Day, June 12. Official events occured nationwide at government buildings and other key sites, including the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite Province, the historical site of the proclamation of independence. Some people participated in each event; turnout levels will likely be lower than in recent years due to COVID-19 restrictions and concerns.

References:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(Philippines)

https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/488231/philippines-the-philippines-to-celebrate-123rd-independence-day-june-12

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