The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) cordially extends its greetings of friendship and solidarity to the Republic of the Philippines, its host country, in celebration of its 127th Independence Day this June 12, 2025.

Happy Independence Day to our Filipino friends and colleagues! May the spirit of nationhood inspire us all towards a future of shared prosperity and development!

2025 Celebrations

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) continues to lead the country’s Independence Day celebrations from 2023 to 2026 with the theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.” (Freedom. Future. History.). This theme highlights the Philippines’ historical journey which underscores the Filipinos’ lifelong battle for human rights, freedom, sovereignty, and self-determination that eventually led to the proclamation of its independence.

Source: National Historical Commission of the Philippines via Facebook page

This year’s celebration features a wide range of activities such as the following:

  • Pre-Independence Day Activities:
    • Musikalayaan 2025
    • Parada ng Pag-Anyaya
    • Klinikalayaan: Serbisyong Kalusugan Para sa Bayan
    • Kadiwa ng Pangulo
    • AFP and Major Uniformed Services Static Display
  • June 12, 2025:
    • Simultaneous commemorative programs nationwide
    • Parada ng Kalayaan (Parade of Independence) at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila
    • Musical performances at the Metropolitan Theater

Source: Presidential Communications Office via Facebook page

In addition, free rides will be offered on specific time schedules on Independence Day for the Light Rail Transit Line 1 and 2, and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 as part of the celebration.

Brief History

The first proclamation of Philippine independence was declared by General Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898. This historic event paved the way for the establishment of the Philippine Revolutionary Government under the helm of General Aguinaldo as its first President under the 1899 Malolos Constitution. Eventually, the commemoration of Independence Day was amended to Republic Day after the United States formally acknowledged the establishment of the Philippine Republic on July 4, 1946 as pledged through the Jones Law in 1916 and the Tydings-McDuffie Act of 1934, respectively.

However, the commemoration was reinstated to June 12 in observance of the Presidential Proclamation No. 28, Series 1962 issued by former President Diosdado Macapagal. Later on, the Republic Act No. 4166 was enacted to recognize both the Independence Day (June 12) and the Republic Day (July 4) as separate declarations for the country.

References

  • A history of Philippine Independence Day. (2023, September 12). LSE Southeast Asia Blog. https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/seac/2023/09/12/a-history-of-philippine-independence-day/
  • Department of Foreign Affairs. (n.d.). PHILIPPINE NATIONAL FLAG DAYS, MAY 28 - JUNE 12, 2024. Republic of the Philippines - Embassy of the Philippines - Ottawa, Canada. https://ottawape.dfa.gov.ph/index.php/2016-04-13-06-16-59/special-feature/2861-philippine-national-flag-days-may-28-june-12-2024
  • National Historical Commission of the Philippines. (n.d.). eMaterial. National Historical Commission of the Philippines. https://nhcp.gov.ph/ematerial/
  • Philippines Independence Day. (2023, August 11). National Today. https://nationaltoday.com/philippines-independence-day/
  • Presidential Communications Office. (n.d.). PCO – Official Facebook Page. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/pcogovph
  • Proclamation No. 28, s. 1962. (1962). Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1962/05/12/proclamation-no-28-s-1962/
  • Republic Day. (n.d.). Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/featured/republic-day/