Viva la independencia Filipina!

Brief history

I was truly brought in to the thought that in the history of our motherland, Philippines, on April 12, 1895, Andres Bonifacio, along with Emilio Jacinto and the other Katipuneros, went to Pamitinan Cave in Montalban Rizal to initiate new members of the Katipunan. The longing for independence clearly prevailed in the heart of one of our heroes, Andres Bonifacio, when he wrote on the walls of the cave “Viva la independencia Filipina” or Long Live the Philippine Independence. The cry for independence was made strong when members of the Katipunan led by Bonifacio tore their cedulas (community tax certificate) in protest of Spanish rule. This event happened at Balintawak and thus signalled the beginning of the Philippine Revolution.

Photo from Leon Gallery

The aspiration of the Filipinos even fostered despite the killings, the abuse, and the tyranny of the Spanish colonial government. It made known to all of us the Asiatic squadron of the American Navy led by Commodore George Dewey who fought and won against the Spaniards in the battle of Manila Bay effectively putting the US in control of the Spanish colonial government. Thus, the US Navy brought back Emilio Aguinaldo to the Philippines from exile in Hong Kong.

Emilio Aguinaldo, perceived that since there is still a government in operation, and to motivate more the Filipinos to fight against Spanish rule, it is necessary to declare independence of the Philippines. Thus on June 12, 1898, around four o’clock in the presence of a huge crowd, Aguinaldo proclaimed the independence of the Philippines. Under Republic act 4166, July 4,1946 was proclaimed as the “Philippine Republic Day” and while June 12, 1898, was proclaimed as the “Philippine Independence day”.

Photo from Tacloban Hotels

What can we do during this holiday?

Since we are independent now from foreign control, it would be nice of us to be grateful to our national heroes. They sacrificed their lives for us to be free and be secure of our own nationality. They endured hardships and struggles for us, blood by blood, to give our people a sense of citizenship. Since we are so blessed to emerge victorious during this course of our history, we may want to indulge in something productive in this holiday to commemorate the events which led to our independence. Here are some:

- Since government offices and schools are closed during the holiday, as well as the private sector, we may find time to spend it with our family and friends. We may visit the memorial parks with them, enjoying the chitchat while having a picnic. Time is always well spent when it is spent with family, friends and loved ones.

- You may want to visit the historical spots or museums in your town to earn some bit of information about the history of your place by taking a glimpse of the remains and accounts of the early settlers and to commemorate the patriotic deeds of our heroes who quenched our thirst for independence.

- Why not do a “churchhopping” instead of barhopping during the holiday. It is way more productive and meaningful. Visiting old churches can be interesting when you get to know the roots of your faith and religion. It is more unforgettable and the experience is more in depth.

l Why not join an activity that nurtures the environment? Join a green movement to promote and preserve our natural resources such as planting trees and preserving the coral reefs.

- Join/organize a feeding program. A number of homeless children are on the streets and more of them are in the orphanage. Poverty and hunger is very rampant nowadays in our society.

- If you are an athletic type, you can join a run for a cause. You are not only promoting healthy lifestyle but also, helping earn funds for proceeds to support just causes like those of Gawad Kalinga.

Photo from bmag

Putting some flaglets in homes, cars, and establishments signifies also the day of our freedom from foreign invaders. May you a have a meaningful and productive holiday. Happy Independence day!

Elizabeth Santiago
iSTORYA League of Writers

*El works in a law firm as a paralegal who is a law student as well. She loves playing badminton, boxing, music, her friends... and she loves to write.