Independence Day

Philippines

June 12, 2011

One of the most significant dates in the Philippine’s history is Independence Day because it marks the nation’s independence from the Spanish rule on June 12, 1898.

FilipinosCelebrate it annually on June 12.

What do People do?

Independence Day is a day when many people, including government officials, employees, and students, participate in nationwide parades.

However, the main highlight is the police and military parade in Manila headed by the country’s incumbent president, followed by a speech and a 21-gun salute.

Many Filipinos spend the day in parks and malls. Many Filipino communities in other countries also observe the nation’s Independence Day Celebrations.

Public life

The Philippine’s Independence Day is a national holiday so government offices are closed. There are absolutely no classes in all schools.

Many business establishments 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.

Background

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 Archipelago 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 annual June 12 observance of Philippine’s Independence Day came into effect after past President Diosdado Macapagal signed the Republic Act No. 4166 regarding this matter on August 4, 1964.

Symbols

The Philippines’ flag is widely seen in the Philippines when people Celebratethe country’s Independence Day. ©iStockphoto.com/Roro Fernandez

The 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.

The flag is seen in various places across towns and cities in the Philippines during the country’s Independence Day.

Many cars sport mini flags on this day….

President

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (January 20,2001-present) The President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, holds many records. Elected as Senator during her first try in politics in 1992, she was er-elected Senator in 1995 with nearly 16 million votes.

She was elected Vice President of the Philippines in 1998 with almost 13 million votes, the largest mandate in history of presidential or vice presidential elections. She was sworn in as the 14th President of the Philippines on January 2001 by Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. after the Supereme Court unanimously declared the position of President vacant, the second woman to be swept into the Presidency by a peaceful People Power revolution (EDSA 2).

The President is the daughter of the late President and Mrs. Diosdado Macapagal, who were well known for their integrity and simpe, but dignified lifestyle.

During the Presidency of Diosdado Macapagal, the Philippines was second only to Japan in economic progress in Asia.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, born in April 5, 1947, was Valedictorian of her school class at Assumption Convent, was consistently on the Dean’s List in Goergetown University in Washington DC, and graduated magna cum laude at Assumption College.

She obtained a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of hte Philippines. Macapagal-Arroyo joined the Philippine government in 1986during the administration of President Corazon Aquino, who aqppointed her Undersecretary of Trade and Industry. During her tenure in the Senate, she authored 55 laws on economi and social reform and was named outstanding Senator several times.

When she was elected Vice President, President Joseph Estrada appointed her as concurrent Secretary of Social Welfare and Development, a post she held until her resignation from the cabinet on 12 October 2000.

Independence Day Observances

Note: Employees covered by the Holiday Pay Rule are entitled to their daily basic wage for any unworked regular holiday.

A Celebration of Women

wishes Dignity, Freedom & Independence

to all the

Women of the Philippines,

Celebrate Independence this June 12, 2011 !!!

VIDEO ONLINE ONLY ~ The Annual Philippine Independence Day Parade, NYC

Celebration on this Independence Day!

A Celebration of Women