The freedom

The Philippines, consisting of more than 7,000 separate islands in the western Pacific, declared independence from Spanish rule over 120 years ago. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo was responsible for making this claim but it wasn’t until 1962 that then-President Diosdado Macapagal made it a public holiday through a presidential proclamation.

The Philippines was a Spanish colony for about 300 years. And, in the 19th century, feelings of nationalism began to emerge. With the assistance of Jose Rizal, a novelist who penned two books, "El Filibusterismo" (The Filibusterer) and "Noli Me Tangere," (Touch Me Not). These novels sparked outrage, and nationalism spread like wildfire across the Philippines.

Before the Philippine independence, people were starved, tortured, and slaughtered. Filipinos were forced to run to the mountains just to stay alive, women were raped repeatedly and others were killed by the Spaniards. Due to the maltreatment of Spaniards, Filipino nationalists revolted against the Spanish rule that had controlled the Philippines since the sixteenth century. The 1896 revolt, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, drove the Filipinos to an anticipated war with Spain and an unexpected conflict with the United States. The revolt resulted in the death of over 4,200 American and over 20,000 Filipino combatants. As many as 200,000 Filipino civilians died from violence, famine, and disease.

The Philippine Revolution is one of the most important events in the country’s history, awakening a proud sense of nationalism for generations of Filipinos to come. In a period of heavy struggle and conflict, Filipinos of different backgrounds united with a common goal: to resist colonialism.

After the Philippine revolution, General Emilio Aguinaldo Declares Independence. The Philippines' independence was a huge accomplishment. This is more than simply a holiday; it is the day on which Filipinos commemorate the bravery and sacrifices of soldiers and heroes who fought for our motherland. Independence Day is a significant event in our country's history as it marks the nation's independence from Spanish rule and the freedom of its people.

References:

National Today. Philippines Independence Day – June 12, 2022. https://nationaltoday.com/philippines-independence-day/

Valdeavilla, R. (July 30, 2018). The History of The Philippine Revolution. https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/the-history-of-the-philippine-revolution/

Office of the Historian. The Philippine-American War, 1899–1902. https://history.state.gov/milestones/1899-1913/war

CDN Life. Ruaya, R.Three important reasons to remember Independence Day. https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/317660/three-important-reasons-to-remember-independence-day

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