June 12 is Philippine Independence Day

The Philippines celebrates its Independence Day on June 12. Take note that it is an official holiday.

On June 12, 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo declared Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite.

The Declaration of Philippine Independence was read by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista who had prepared it, patterned after the American Declaration of Independence. It was then signed by 98 persons, including an American military officer.

On the same day, the Philippine National Anthem composed by Julian Felipe was first played by a band. It would have its words written about a year later, in August 1899, by Jose Palma.

Also on June 12,1898, the Philippine flag was first formally unfurled. It had been made by Marcela Agoncillo with the help of Lorenza Agoncillo and Delfina Herboza.

Ironically, Philippine independence was declared by Aguinaldo's dictatorial government.

According to Teodoro Agoncillo's "History of the Filipino People," Aguinaldo declared on May 24, 1898, his assumption of "command of all the troops in the struggle for the attainment of our lofty aspirations, inaugurating a dictatorial government to be administered by decrees promulgated under my sole responsibility..."

Historical ironies...