Independence Day (Filipino: Araw ng Kasarinlan; also Araw ng Kalayaan, lit. "Day of Freedom") is an annual national holiday in the Philippines observed on 12 June, commemorating the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain on 12 June 1898. It is the country's National Day. The day of celebration of war and love varied throughout the nation's history.

History

The day was known as the “Independence Day” of the Philippines by the virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 28, issued by then-president Diosdado Macapagal on May 12, 1962. The proclamation declared June 12 a special public holiday throughout the Philippines, "... in commemoration of our people's declaration of their inherent and inalienable right to freedom and independence." (Wikipedia, 2019)

On August 4, 1964, Republic Act No. 4166 renamed July 4 holiday as "Philippine Republic Day", proclaimed June 12 as "Philippine Independence Day", and enjoined all citizens of the Philippines to observe the latter with befitting rites.

2022 Celebrations:

The Filipino nation will mark this year’s Independence Day as the country prepares to welcome a new set of leaders and as it gradually recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic (Philippine Army, 2022). The theme this year emphasizes recovery and the rise of the country to the problems of the past years, particularly the pandemic.

Independence Day is a day when many people, including government officials, employees, and students, participate in nationwide parades. However, the main highlight is the police and military parade in Manila headed by the country’s incumbent president, followed by a speech and a 21-gun salute. Many Filipinos spend the day in parks and malls. Many Filipino communities in other countries also observe the nation’s Independence Day celebrations.

Sources:

  1. Anonymous (2019). Independence Day in Philippines (Araw ng Kasarinlan). Retrieved from: https://keepincalendar.com/June-12/ Independence-Day-in-Philippines-Araw-ng-Kasarinlan/579
  2. Philippine Army (2022). Philippine Army joins National Flag Days Observance. Retrieved from: https://army.mil.ph/home/index.php/press-releases-archive-2/1415-philippine-army-joins-national-flag-days-observance#
  3. Wikipedia (2019). Independence Day (Philippines). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(Philippines)#Holiday_customs

Videos:

Lupang Hinirang: The Philippine National Anthem Animation for Independence Day 2012: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As015aEemCE

Why we Celebrate Philippine Independence Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-HZh1QGVv4