Recognition

           Independence Day Philippines is one of the most important events celebrated in the country because after more than 300 years of being under the Spanish rule, the Pearl of the Orient Seas has been freed. 

          After months of fighting, severe Spanish retaliation forced the revolutionary armies to retreat to the hills. In December 1897 a truce was concluded with the Spanish. Emilio Aguinaldo, a municipal mayor and commander of the rebel forces, was paid a large sum and was allowed to go to Hong Kong with other leaders; the Spanish promised reforms as well. But reforms were slow in coming, and small bands of rebels, distrustful of Spanish promises, kept their arms; clashes grew more frequent. Dr. José Rizal quickly emerged as the leading Propagandist. His novel Noli me tángere (1886; The Social Cancer, 1912) exposed the corruption of Manila Spanish society and stimulated the movement for independence. With a government in operation, Aguinaldo thought that it was necessary to declare the independence of the Philippines. He believed that such a move would inspire the people to fight more eagerly against the Spaniards and at the same time, lead the foreign countries to recognize the independence of the country. The Spanish then arrested Rizal, who had advocated reform but never condoned the revolution. After hundreds of years under the Spanish rule, Emilio Aguinaldo has waved the Philippine flag for the very first time and declared independence in Kawit, Cavite.

          Araw ng Kalayaan date falls on June 12 because it was the day when Filipinos showed the world how much Filipinos value freedom and democracy, proving that we can stand on our own. We wouldn’t be celebrating a happy independence day if not for the strong and brave Filipino warriors who have fought against our colonizers.

References:

https://www.zenrooms.com/blog/post/independence-day-philippines/

https://www.britannica.com/event/Philippine-American-War

https://images.app.goo.gl/CLopb8siWVqAfDzE7