We Celebrated Independence Day on July 4?!
Today, we Filipinos remember Independence Day on June 12. However, did you know that for a while, we didn’t commemorate it then? And we instead celebrated it a month later? Let’s take a look at how July 4 became the first Independence Day of the Philippines.
The Treaty of Manila
After more than 300 years under Spain and nearly 50 years under the United States, the Philippines finally gained full independence on July 4, 1946, through the Treaty of Manila. This is a formalized agreement in which the U.S. gave up its control and recognized the Philippines as “a free and independent state.”
The treaty was signed in Manila by U.S. High Commissioner Paul V. McNutt and President Manuel Roxas. During the signing, the Philippine flag was raised, while the American flag was lowered at Luneta. Plus, thousands of people celebrated in the streets, making it known that the Philippines is officially a sovereign nation.
The treaty also included agreements on trade, foreign policy, and U.S. military bases, which remained in the country past 1946. Yet these terms would later become part of bigger discussions on what makes the Philippines actually independent.
What about June 12?
However, back on June 12, 1898, President Emilio Aguinaldo had already declared our independence from Spain after years of struggle and revolution. Yet this wasn’t recognized by other countries, especially the U.S.
So in 1962, President Diosdado Macapagal formally moved Independence Day from July 4 to June 12 to honor our first fight for freedom. Because, according to him, true independence began with the efforts of the Filipinos themselves, not just when another country granted it for us.
Meanwhile, July 4 was renamed “Philippine-American Friendship Day” and later removed as an official holiday here.
READ: What is the Role of Filipinos in American Politics?
June 12 may be our official Independence Day, but we should also remember July 4 and the Treaty of Manila. Because both dates remind us of the long journey the Filipino people took towards true freedom, from revolution to recognition.
