MORYNNE KEITH VERONA

AB POLITICAL SCIENCE- I2C

ASSIGNMENT #6
REACTION PAPER

PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE

The “Act of the Proclamation of Independence of the Filipino People” was read at General
Emilio Aguinaldo’s ancestral house in Kawit, Cavite on June 12 of the year 1898. According
also in the video from UNTV it was also the very first time where the Philippine National
Anthem was heard though it has no lyrics at that moment. The filipino’s independence, however,
was not achieved quickly. Through the Treaty of Paris, the Spaniards took its control of the
islands to the Americans, causing the Philippine-American War and, consequently, United States’
rule of the country. The independence was totally granted to the Philippines only on July 4, 1946.
Since then, Independence Day was celebrated on July 4 every year but then in 1962, the
country’s ninth President, Diosdado Macapagal, proclaimed June 12 a public holiday “in
commemoration of our people’s declaration of their inherent and inalienable right to freedom and
independence.” The change was confirmed through Republic Act No. 4166 in 1964.

Independence Day obviously stands as a reminder of that long-fought battle for freedom and the
people behind. It is worth celebrating.Mr. Macapagal found it “proper that what we should
celebrate not the day when other nations gave recognition to our independence, but the day when
we declared our desire to exercise our inherent and inalienable right to freedom and
independence.”

While watching the short clip about the Philippine Independence, I totally agree with what
former president Macapagal did. Independence Day also serves as an apt moment for Filipinos to
reflect on who they are in light of all these, and of what they could give in return as benefactors
of this emancipation which took pains to be attained. So we should really celebrate this day with
dignity. This day is not just a regular holiday, it is this day that Filipinos remember the courage
and sacrifices by soldiers and heroes who fought for our motherland.Inspired by their strength to
fight and dedication to free the country against colonizers should be remembered by the
generations of today and the years to come.

It is not only important to celebrate this holiday, but it is also important not to forget its
significance for the Philippines.
 Many Filipinos offered their talents and skills and put their lives at risk to achieve our
independence.

Their heroic stories should serve as lessons to learn as citizens of this country.

We may have different ways of showing our love for the Philippines but let us appreciate even
the little things that we do to express how much we love our country.