bea: Philippine Independence Day

https://www.zenrooms.com/blog/make-the-best-out-of-this-years-philippines-independence-day/

The Philippine Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite (formerly known as Cavite El Viejo). The proclamation of Independence was led by former president Emilio Aguinaldo at his ancestral home in Kawit, Cavite. The Philippine flag made by Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo, and Delfina Herboza was formally presented to the people on that same day June 12 was not always our official Independence Day. It was made-so on May 12, 1964, by then-president Diosdado Macapagal. Macapagal moved the celebration to June 12 in order to commemorate Emilio Aguinaldo’s original proclamation of Philippine independence from Spain on the same date in 1898. In his 1962 Independence Day Address, Macapagal elaborated on the rationale for the change, “The irrefutable claim of June 12 as our day of freedom is bolstered by the fact that it is the culmination of many acts of patriotism and nationalism.

The founding of a sovereign Philippines is honored on Independence Day. The source of power in a particular nation is its sovereignty. Where does power eventually reside, in other words? This has always meant the freedom of whichever embryonic Philippine Republic to adopt its own laws, set its own diplomatic agenda, and rules its own people in the context of the Philippine state, a postcolonial one. In these exceedingly reductionist terms, independence means that the Philippine president, not the Spanish Crown, the American President, or the Japanese Prime Minister, is the highest office in the territory. When clauses like "Sovereignty dwells in the people and all government authority originates from them" are present and are applied, the nation comes into play.

Independence of the Philippines was a mighty feat. On Independence Day, the sacrifices of the national heroes are remembered, the country’s sovereignty is appreciated, instilling nationalism in the citizens, as well as celebrating the culture and tradition of its people.Parades are held nationwide, with participation from the government, and the citizens. As it is a national holiday, businesses, offices, and schools are closed, and families spend the day in parks, and doing other celebratory activities. Filipino communities abroad also celebrate with programs, and annual parades.