Philippines Independence Day, Friday, June 12 marks the 122nd Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence

Philippines Independence Day, Friday, June 12 marks the 122nd Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence

Instead of the annual in-person commemorations, from parades to galas in Filipino communities across the world, celebrations of “Araw ng Kalayaan” are going virtual this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This year’s Independence Day celebration 2020, bearing the theme “Kalayaan 2020: Tungo sa Bansang Malaya, Nagtutulungan, at Ligtas (Freedom 2020: Towards a Free, United, and Safe Nation), will be marked with a virtual flag-raising ceremony by all Philippine Nationals all over the world

“As we reflect on the significance of this year’s celebration, it is equally important to recognize the various ways and opportunities by which we can rally our communities to support and uplift one another during this unprecedented time of crisis,” Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said in a statement.

Filipinos in Dubai to celebrate Philippine Independence Day online on Friday:

Filipino community leaders in Dubai are calling their Kabayan (compatriots) to show their patriotic spirit and commemorate the 122nd Philippine Independence Day.

Last year, the Filipino community had celebrations spread for one month in Dubai, including the Imagine Laser and Light show at Dubai Festival City and the lighting of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, in Philippine colors.

For the first time in the history of Philippines Independence Day celebrations in the UAE, all productions and segments will be done virtually. This is because we want to abide to government rules on health and safety.

On Friday, thousands of Filipino expats across the country are expected to tune in to live-stream celebrations, one of which will be capped by the sight of Dubai's Burj Khalifa lighting up in Philippine colors. At the end of the online event, the page will feature a live coverage of the Philippine flag's LED display on the Burj Khalifa at 9.15pm.

You can watch Philippine Independence Day celebrations live on Facebook @ Kalayaan2020DNE

There will also be colorful performances by students from various Philippine schools in the UAE and special appearances by Filipino showbiz celebrities in Manila. On Friday, thousands of Filipino expats across the country are expected to tune in to live-stream celebrations, one of which will be capped by the sight of Dubai's Burj Khalifa lighting up in Philippine colours. At the end of the online event, the page will feature a live coverage of the Philippine flag's LED display on the Burj Khalifa at 9.15pm.

In the Philippines: 

In the Philippines, Independence Day is observed with a day off from work and classes. Meanwhile, the celebration across the Philippines traditionally takes form in parades and festivals filled with Filipino food vendors, performances, and parades.

The official poster of Independence Day 2020 was released by National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), on June 4 together with the announcement of the unique dedication of the celebration to the people in the front liners of the fight against the pandemic – health workers, security personnel, food servers, armed forces, and government workers, among many others.

“Our Independence Day celebration, despite its simplicity, is no less significant. On 12 June, we will express our gratitude to the people who lead the fight the Coronavirus pandemic — our front liners. Through their sacrifices of time, energy, expertise, and even their own lives, they strive to keep our nation safe,” announced NHCP.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) also encourages people to display the Philippine Flag in homes, offices, and other buildings. On Independence Day itself, Filipinos are asked to take pictures while holding a flag-let and a sign that says, “Thank you, front liners!” Through their sacrifices of time, energy, expertise, and even their own lives, they strive to keep our nation safe.

Through these simple acts, we can celebrate our freedom even while staying at home. As we have said before, this pandemic will not stop us Filipinos from celebrating our freedom, freedom won and defended by our heroes past and present. #Kalayaan2020 #MakeItHistoric

The National Independence Day programs this year will be at the following sites:

• Rizal National Monument in Manila
• Liberty Shrine in Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City
• Rizal Park in Davao City
• Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite, the site of the proclamation of Philippine independence in 1898
• Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City, in honor of the Cry of Pugad Lawin which started the Philippine Revolution in 1896
• Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan City in a memorial to the initial attacks of the Katipunan in 1896
• Barasoain Church Historical Landmark in the City of Malolos in Bulacan where the First Philippine Republic was born in 1899
• Pamintuan Mansion, Angeles City which hosted the first anniversary celebration of Philippine Independence in 1899

History:

A quick history lesson on Philippine Independence Day traces back over a century ago when the Philippines — after four centuries under Spain’s rule — declared independence on June 12, 1898.

Upon losing the war with the U.S., Spain gave the Philippines to the U.S. as part of the 1989 Treaty of Paris Agreement. The Philippines thus became a U.S. territory with the Philippine-American War beginning a year after.

It took years for the Philippines to gain independence from the U.S. Sometime during the Philippine-American War, U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt declared victory over the Philippines ironically on the fourth of July in 1902.

Despite being defeated in 1912 by President Woodrow Wilson, who favored Philippine independence, plans for a sovereign Philippines weren’t made until the mid 1930s. After one last set back due to World War II and the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, the Philippines was finally declared independent on July 4, 1946 through the Treaty of Manila.

For 15 years, the Philippines celebrated its independence annually on July 4 until 1962 when Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal officially changed the date back to June 12. The Filipino flag was unfurled for the first time on this day June 12 in 1898 at an inspiring celebration, which also featured the first public playing of the Philippines national anthem. The nation has made great strides. It’s considered to be an emerging market and a newly industrialized country. Tourism also makes a large impact on the Philippines economy.

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