Independence Day Means Unity in Protecting and Enriching Our Country

The Philippines, consisting of more than 7000 separate islands in the western Pacific, declared independence from Spanish rule over 120 years ago. General Emilio Aguinaldo was responsible for making this claim but it wasn’t until 1962 that then-President Diosdado Macapagal made it a public holiday through a presidential proclamation. The Filipino flag was unfurled for the first time on this day June 12 in 1898 at an inspiring celebration that also featured the first public playing of the Philippines' national anthem. This day is one of the most important dates in the Philippines’ history and we Filipinos celebrate it annually on June 12. 

The Philippines’ Independence Day is a national holiday so all the government offices are closed and there are no classes in all schools. There were nationwide parades. This is the day when Filipinos celebrate and commemorate the courage, bravery, sacrifices, and heroism of Filipinos who fought for the freedom of our motherland from the colonizers. Our country’s sovereignty is also appreciated. Many Filipino communities abroad also observe our nation’s Independence Day celebration. However, the celebration and commemoration of Independence Day in the Philippines during the pandemic were not like before. There were no parades nationwide and there were not many celebratory activities especially in other countries because of the lockdowns to contain the spread of Covid-19. Anyway, despite the fear and frustration because of the pandemic, many Filipinos still celebrated Independence Day in their homes with their families and virtually with friends and relatives hoping that eventually the battle against Covid-19 will be won. Our country celebrated Independence Day by displaying the national flag in various historical places, in many public and private establishments nationwide. Last year, President Rodrigo Duterte led the 123rd Independence Day in Malolos, Bulacan, and paid tribute to Filipino heroes. He also paid tribute to the country’s health care workers and other front liners referring to them as “modern-day heroes” who have been battling the coronavirus pandemic. Our front liners are as brave as our Filipino heroes they are battling with the invisible enemy Covid-19. They deserve honor and respect not specifically on Independence Day but always. We can show them our cooperation by complying with all the health protocols to protect the health of everyone. This year, we hope for a better celebration of Independence Day since our situation is gradually becoming better. There are lesser cases of Covid-19 and most of us have already been vaccinated.

 For me, the Independence Day celebration is a way of showing our gratefulness for the sacrifices and bravery of our national heroes. It is also a way of maintaining the nationalism of the Filipino citizens. This celebration, it’s also an opportunity to show our rich culture and traditions. However, during this pandemic, it’s not only the national heroes who were given honor and respect but also our front-liners who are continuously fighting against Covid-19. To show our respect to our national heroes as well as the front-liners who are considered our modern heroes, we should be law-abiding citizens. We should always comply with or follow the laws imposed by the government, especially concerning our health. We should be hand in hand fighting for our freedom from all kinds of enemies. Let’s unite to protect and enrich our country.

Reference/s:

https://www.istockphoto.com/it/search/2/image?phrase=philippine+flag+background

https://nationaltoday.com/philippines-independence-day/

https://theaseanpost.com/article/philippines-independence-day-amid-pandemic