The theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.” is translated as “Freedom. Future. History.”

The Philippines joyfully celebrates its 126th year of independence from the Spanish colonial government which ruled the islands for 333 years. With this, the Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) courteously extends its greetings of peace and solidarity to the Republic of the Philippines, its host country, in celebration of its Independence Day this June 12, 2024.

History

The house of General Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite where the proclamation of independence happened in 1898
Photo courtesy of Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines

The first proclamation of Philippine independence was declared by General Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898. It was proclaimed under the Revolutionary Government led by General Aguinaldo, who was promulgated as the first President of the Philippines under the Malolos Constitution in 1899. 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.

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

2024 Celebrations

There are many ways to celebrate Independence Day which usually include parades, the raising of the Philippine flag, a speech addressed by the Philippine President, firing of a 21-gun salute, concerts, and fireworks displays. Following this, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NCHP) would also like to invite Filipinos to join the activities for the 126th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence Day with this year’s theme, “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.” (Freedom. Future. History.)

Source: National Historical Commission of the Philippines via Facebook page

The month of June is also filled with other activities in line with the Independence Day celebration such as the following:

  • Larry Alcala: Slices of Life, Wit and Humor exhibit - June 4 to 30 at the Small Room in Gateway Gallery, Araneta, Quezon City
  • Concert at the Park - June 2, 8, 16, 23, 30 at the Open-Air Auditorium of Rizal Park, Manila
  • Heritage Walks
  • Manila Clock Tower Museum exhibits


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
  • GMA Integrated News. (2024, June 3). Philippine Independence Day: Events to celebrate our freedom this June. GMA News Online.
    https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/908840/philippine-independence-day-events-to-celebrate-our-freedom-this-june/story/
  • Philippines Independence Day. (2023, August 11). National Today.
    https://nationaltoday.com/philippines-independence-day/
  • 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/