Anything Pinoy

Yes indeed! The first declaration was on April 12, 1895, which was a Good Friday, when Andres Bonifacio, founder of the Katipunan declared Philippine Independence inside a cave called Bernardo Carpio in Montalban (now renamed Rodriguez) in Rizal Province.

There, Bonifacio wrote on the cave’s wall “Long Live the Philippine Independence.”

For the second time, Bonifacio and his Katipuneros on August 23, 1896 tore their “cedulas” and declared “Mabuhay ang Kalayaan ng Pilipinas” at Pugad Lawin, now part of Quezon City which was created in 1939.

The third one was on October 31, 1896 and was presided by General Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite.

He issued two declarations – one for all Filipinos to offer their blood (life) for freedom, and the second, declaring to the whole world that the country was free and independent.

Our Independence Day on June 12 commemorates the fourth declaration. On June 12, 1896, also by Aguinaldo who declared the freedom of the Philippines from Spanish rule.

This also marked the first singing of the national anthem, which was written by Julian Felipe and the raising of the Philippine flag.

On October 14, 1943, during the Japanese Occupation, a fifth declaration was made, but many doubted it as the country then was only liberated.

The sixth declaration was held in fitting but emotional ceremonies at the Luneta on July 4, 1946 and for 15 years until the term of the President Diosdado Macapagal – Philippine Independence was observed every 4th of July.

In 1962, then President Macapagal, father of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, decided that the yearly observance of Philippine Independence be moved to June 12 from July 4.