12/06/2026
The 128th Independence Day of the Philippines, commemorated on June 12, 1898, marks the historic day when General Emilio Aguinaldo declared the country's freedom from over 300 years of Spanish colonial rule. This monumental act in Kawit, Cavite, saw the first unfurling of the Philippine flag and the initial playing of the national anthem.
- The Proclamation
On June 12, 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo formally read the Acta de la Proclamacion de la Independencia del Pueblo Filipino in Cavite el Viejo (now Kawit, Cavite). This 21-page declaration was written by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista and was signed by 98 Filipinos, as well as an American officer.
The ceremony included:
- First Unfurling: The Philippine flag was officially raised for the first time, crafted in Hong Kong by Marcela Agoncillo, her daughter Lorenza, and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad.
- National Anthem: The Marcha Filipina Nacional (now Lupang Hinirang) was played publicly for the first time by the band of San Francisco de Malabon.
A Journey to Independence:
Although Spain’s oppressive reign ended, the Philippines did not gain immediate international recognition for its sovereignty
- The Treaty of Paris (1898): Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States. This led to the Philippine-American War and nearly five decades of American colonization.
- Independence Day Shift: Because the United States granted the Philippines full independence on July 4, 1946, the holiday was originally celebrated in July.
- Correction of History: In 1962, President Diosdado Macapagal issued Proclamation No. 28, moving Independence Day back to June 12. He argued that a nation should celebrate the day it declared its own desire for freedom, rather than the date it was recognized by a foreign power.
Significance & Traditions
Today, the June 12 Independence Day celebration serves to honor the sacrifices of both recognized national heroes and unsung patriots. It stands as the birth of the first constitutional republic in Asia. The date is celebrated nationwide with official flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and cultural festivals emphasizing Filipino resilience and heritage.