The Philippines Independence and Its Flag

June 12th is one of the most significant dates in the Philippines as it celebrates the nation’s history of Independence Day from the Spanish rule on June 12, 1898. This year 2024, it is celebrating its 126th year.

Being observed as a public holiday, it is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed except shopping centers. Public transport such as buses, passenger jeeps, and tricycles still operate but their routes may be limited due to the closure of streets used for parades.

Not only that, on this day and age of globalism, the Philippine Independence is being celebrated worldwide by many Filipinos living in every nook and corner of the world.

The annual June 12th observance of Philippines Independence Day came into effect after past President Diosdado Macapagal signed the Republic Act No. 4166 regarding this matter on August 4, 1964. This Act legalized the holiday, which is based on the Declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898 by General Emilio Aguinaldo and Filipino revolutionary forces from the Spanish colonization. The Philippines’ flag was raised and its national anthem was played for the first time in 1898. However, liberty was short-lived because Spain and the United States did not recognize the declaration.

The 1898 Treaty of Paris ended the war between Spain and the United States. Spain surrendered the entire archipelago comprising the Philippines to the United States. The Philippines started a revolt against the United States in 1899 and achieved national sovereignty on July 4, 1946, through the Treaty of Manila. Independence Day was officially observed on July 4 until the Republic Act No. 4166, which set out to move the holiday to June 12, was approved on August 4, 1964.

The Philippines flag is seen in various places across towns and cities in the Philippines during the country’s Independence Day. Many cars also sport miniature flags on this day.

The colorful Flag of the Republic of the Philippines, representing the country, is symbolized by the following:

• Royal blue field – peace, truth, and justice.

• Scarlet red field – patriotism and valor.

• White triangle – equality and brotherhood.

• Three stars on the corners of the triangle – the three main geographical regions of the country namely Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

• The sun at the center of the triangle – has eight rays representing the eight Philippine provinces that started the revolt against Spain.

Here in our big town of Chicago, there has been an organization named Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC) that has been celebrating the Philippine Independence annually and grandiosely in many ways and forms through the years that culminates in a grand and glorious ball and coronation of Philippine beauties on June 22nd at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel. This year, it’s celebrating its 49th year of existence, and is currently under the chairmanship of Ms. Jovy Sirianni.

Wishing the PIWC the best of luck and fun celebration. Mabuhay tayong Pilipino at ang Pilipinas! -By Anonymous Editorialist