“Philippine Independence, the most significant event in our country's history.”

    On June 12, 1898, the Philippine government declared independence from Spanish authority, making it one of the most significant events in Philippine history. This is a great day for the Filipino people because it honors the memories and accomplishments of our heroes who have invested their lives, talents, sweat, blood, and sacrifice for the sake of freedom, and all of the events that broke the chains of slavery among Filipinos are part of our history of celebrating Independence Day.

    Since 1962, June 12 has been observed as Philippine Independence Day. The Spanish lost possession of the islands to the Americans through the Treaty of Paris, resulting in the Philippine-American War and, as a result, US dominance of the country. The Philippines did not gain full independence until July 4, 1946. Since then, July 4 has been observed as Independence Day. In 1962, Diosdado Macapagal, the country's ninth president, declared June 12 a national holiday "in memory of our people's affirmation of their inherent and inalienable right to freedom and independence." Republic Act No. 4166 formalized the alteration in 1964. On July 4, a treaty declaring the Philippines' independence from the United States signed, and the date designated as Philippine Republic Day or American-Filipino Friendship Day.

    Many individuals, including government officials, employees, and students, participate in nationwide parades on Independence Day. The primary event, however, is the police and military parade in Manila, which led by the country's current president and includes a speech and a 21-gun salute. A large number of Filipinos spend their days in parks and shopping centers. Many Filipino communities around the world also celebrate the country's Independence Day. Because Independence Day is a national holiday in the Philippines, government offices are closed. In all schools, there are no classes at all. With the exception of retail malls, many businesses are closed. Buses, passenger jeeps, and tricycles are still running, however their itineraries may be restricted due to the closure of streets utilized for parades.

    This day is more than just a holiday; it is a day on which Filipinos commemorate the bravery and sacrifices of warriors and heroes who battled for our homeland. Their courage in fighting colonizers and determination to freeing the land should be honored by future generations. These valiant efforts should be regarded with the same reverence as the gift of dominion. We may have varied ways of expressing our love for the Philippines, but let us value even the small gestures we make to demonstrate how much we care for our nation. Being a law abiding citizen or serving the country in your own small manner is already an act of displaying your love, as is keeping our surroundings clean and orderly. On this day, we also honor the sacrifices made by front-line employees and critical personnel to assist our country in times of need.

    Even though we are currently facing a global crisis because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but this should not be an impediment or an excuse to continue to demonstrate the spirit of a free people. May this day serve as a reminder of our hard-won freedom as well as an occasion to celebrate Filipino heritage, culture, and custom. Our diverse traditions and culture from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao demonstrate that the Filipino character is more than just bold and fearless. Filipinos are gifted and skilled in a variety of fields.

References:

https://www.asianjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/PH-Independence-day-2021-740x560.jpg 

https://64.media.tumblr.com/6e4b184761b664df8537c4283608b018/b75877bb7f320793-1f/s540x810/eff9f03501016f7c9d7f62715eccceab96b84d5b.jpg 

https://canadianinquirer.net/v1/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/shutterstock_55135798.jpg

https://c.tadst.com/gfx/750w/philippines-flag.jpg