Philippines Independence Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Philippines Independence Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Philippines Independence Day is observed on June 12th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Philippines Independence Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you need know about Philippines Independence Day.

📅 What day is Philippines Independence Day 2024?

In 2024, Philippines Independence Day is on Monday, June 12th. It is the 2nd Monday in June; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all the cool details and facts about June 12, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands located in the western Pacific, gained independence from Spanish rule more than 120 years ago. General Emilio Aguinaldo made this assertion, but it was only in 1962 that President Diosdado Macapagal officially recognized it as a national holiday through a presidential decree. On June 12, 1898, during a momentous ceremony, the Filipino flag was raised for the first time, accompanied by the inaugural public performance of the Philippine national anthem. Since then, the country has made significant progress, transitioning into a developing market and a recently industrialized nation. The Philippines greatly benefits from tourism, which plays a vital role in its economy.

📜 Philippines Independence Day History

The Spanish established their presence in the Philippines when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi led an expedition there in 1565. They built Intramuros, which later became Manila and served as the capital, in 1571. A feudal system developed, with Spanish holding large estates and Filipinos serving as labor. The Spanish era in the Philippines was generally prosperous and unremarkable until the British took control of Manila in 1762. The Treaty of Paris in 1763 returned the city to Spanish rule.

In the 19th century, nationalism began to grow, fueled in part by the writings of Jose Rizal. His novels, “El Filibusterismo” and “Noli Me Tangere,” ignited a sense of nationalism among Filipinos. Rizal formed the Liga Filipina in 1892, advocating for reform. However, he was arrested and sent to Dapitan. Concurrently, Andres Bonifacio founded the more radical Katipunan. This led to the revolution in 1896, with Rizal’s execution further fueling Filipino sentiment.

The conflict between the United States and Spain in 1898 provided an opportunity for Filipino revolutionaries. After the American victory in Manila Bay, Filipino revolutionaries surrounded the city, and Emilio Aguinaldo declared independence on June 12th. However, with Aguinaldo’s arrest in 1902, the American administration gained control.

In 1935, the Philippines became a semi-independent commonwealth under American administration. American professors brought to the Philippines improved literacy rates. Full independence was achieved in 1945, as promised by the USA.

Japan invaded the Philippines in 1941 and took control of Manila, but American forces recaptured the city in 1944. On July 4, 1946, the Philippines gained independence with Manuel Roxas as the first leader of the newly independent country.

✅ Philippines Independence Day Facts

🔖 Bruno Mars
We know that he is only part Filipino, but if half of us want to order “strawberry champagne on ice” with his incredible voice, we’re all in.

🔖 Imelda Marcos
Following a coup in 1986, Imelda Marcos, the wife of former President Ferdinand Marcos, was compelled to flee to Hawaii. Imelda was also famously associated with her extensive shoe collection.

🔖 Manny Pacquiao
What is the number of boxers who enter politics? Currently, Manny Pacquiao holds the position of a Senator in the Philippines. It is advisable to make an effort to maintain a positive relationship with him.

👍 Why Is Philippines Independence Day Important

The one on June 12 commemorates the day the islands gained independence from Spanish domination. American soldiers, however, occupied the Philippines until 1946. Independence occurred on July 4, the same day as American Independence Day; however, Filipinos consider June 12 to be their proper day of independence.

Talk about dedication. The original version of the flag, unfurled in 1898, is the one that Filipinos proudly fly today. The white triangle on the flag represents equality, while the sunburst inside represents the eight provinces that fought against Spain. The blue stripe represents peace, truth, and justice, while the red stripe represents patriotism and heroism. The three stars represent Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the three island groupings.

“Independence was the most crucial event in the history of our country.” “Not only did we end more than three centuries of subservience, but we also resolved to chart our own course as a nation.” Rodrigo Duterte, President of the Philippines, on June 11, 2019.

🙂 How To Observe Philippines Independence Day

⚡ Try a new food
Although balut, a popular street food snack made from duck embryos, may not be our typical craving, experimenting with new foods generally doesn’t have any negative consequences. Many countries offer distinctive dishes on their menus, so why not embrace your adventurous side, like Anthony Bourdain, and sample some unconventional cuisine during this holiday season?

⚡ Create your own “family flag”
Why not create a flag for your own family that represents its aspirations and unique qualities, just like national and state flags symbolize?

⚡ Attend an Independence Day parade
The Philippine Independence Day Parade will take place in New York City on June 7, 2020.

📅 When is Philippines Independence Day?

Explore all 🔗 June holidays, including 🔗 Cultural and other 🔗 Festivities holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about Philippines Independence Day. So be sure to check back soon.