Araw ng Kalayaan
June 12, 2015.
Happy 117th Philippine Independence Day! Our Fall 2015 CACC (Community Advocacy Cultural Chair), Hansel Domingo, wrote this summary in commemoration of this special day!
June 12, 1898 marks the day when the Philippines gained its independence from Spain. Today, Filipinos from all over the world annually celebrate this historical day as Philippine Independence Day. In Tagalog, this day is known as “Araw ng Kalayaan,” meaning, “Day of Freedom.” Philippine Independence Day holds historical significance as it represents the Philippines' sovereignty from Spain’s 333 year rule.
The beginning of the Philippine Revolution was started when the Katipunan, led by Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto, tore their tax certificates to represent the protest of Spanish conquest (at the time, Spain was exploring and conquering new lands). The Katipunans' goals were to gain independence from Spain through armed revolt. Katipunans' actions and goals began to influence the Philippines to join the cause.
The Philippines gained their freedom from Spain after Spain surrendered the Philippines to the United States with the Treaty of Paris. However, The United States still claimed control of the Philippines and did not recognize their independence. The Philippines started a revolt against the United States in 1899; however, by July 4, 1946, The Philippines achieved national sovereignty and the United States recognized the Philippines as an independent country.
The day became a national holiday in 1965, when former President, Diosdado Macapagal, issued the Republic Act No. 4166 on August 4, 1964. The Act formally legalized June 12 as a national holiday. Filipinos today enjoy and celebrate this national holiday by taking a day off work and holstering flags in every corner possible!
What Does Our Filipino Flag Represent?
The Flag of the Republic of the Philippines is represented by the following symbols:
Royal Blue – Peace, Truth, and Justice
Scarlet Red – Patriotism and Valor
White Triangle – Equality and Brotherhood
Three Stars on the Corners of the Triangle – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao
The Sun – Eight rays to represent the eight Philippine provinces that started the revolt against Spain
