12Jun2022PhilippinesSun, 12 Jun 2022 Add to calendar
| Sun, 12 Jun 2022 |
| Mon, 12 Jun 2023 |
| Sat, 12 Jun 2021 |
| Regular Holiday |
List of dates for other years
Philippines holidays 2022
Philippines holidays 2023
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. Filipinos celebrate it annually on June 12.
Is Independence Day a Public Holiday?
Independence Day is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.
In 2022, it falls on a Sunday, and some businesses may choose to follow Sunday opening hours.
The Philippines' flag is flown on Independence Day.
©iStockphoto.com/macky_ch
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
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. 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 national sovereignty 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.
Symbols
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 also sport miniature flags on this day.
Note: Employees covered by the Holiday Pay Rule are entitled to their daily basic wage for any unworked regular holiday.
While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.
| Independence Day |
| Araw ng Kalayaan |
| Unabhängigkeitstag |
| Uavhengighetsdag |
- World Day Against Child Labour
Stop and smell the roses, of the red kind, to celebrate Red Rose Day. More
Independence Day (Filipino: Araw ng Kasarinlan; also Araw ng Kalayaan, lit. "Day of Freedom") is an annual national holiday in the Philippines observed on 12 June, commemorating the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain on 12 June 1898. It is the country's National Day. The day of celebration of war and love varied throughout the nation's history.
History
The day came as the Independence Day of the Philippines by the virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 28, issued by then-president Diosdado Macapagal on On May 12, 1962. The proclamation declared June 12 a special public holiday throughout the Philippines, "... in commemoration of our people's declaration of their inherent and inalienable right to freedom and independence." (Wikipedia, 2019)
On August 4, 1964, Republic Act No. 4166 renamed July 4 holiday as "Philippine Republic Day", proclaimed June 12 as "Philippine Independence Day", and enjoined all citizens of the Philippines to observe the latter with befitting rites.
Celebrations:
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.
Sources：
- Wikipedia (2019). Independence Day (Philippines). Retrieved from //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(Philippines)#Holiday_customs
- Independence Day in Philippines (Araw ng Kasarinlan). (June 12, 2019). Retrieved from: //keepincalendar.com/June-12/Independence-Day-in-Philippines-Araw-ng-Kasarinlan/579
- Independence Day in the Philippines. Retrieved from: //www.timeanddate.com/holidays/philippines/independence-day
Videos
- Lupang Hinirang: The Philippine National Anthem Animation for Independence Day 2012: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=As015aEemCE
- Why we Celebrate Philippine Independence Day: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-HZh1QGVv4
The Philippines, consisting of more than 7,000 separate islands in the western Pacific, declared independence from Spanish rule over 120 years ago. Gen. 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, which also featured the first public playing of the Philippines national anthem. The nation has made great strides. It’s considered to be an emerging market and a newly industrialized country. Tourism also makes a large impact on the Philippines economy.
The Philippines celebrates its independence on June 12 every year.
For over 300 years, the Philippines was a Spanish colony, and is named after King Philip II of Spain. In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan landed on the Philippines islands and claimed it for Spain. Magellan wanted all the local chiefs to submit to the Spanish rule but one of them named Lapu Lapu refused. An attempt was made by Magellan to crush Lapu Lapu, but he failed and was killed.
When Miguel Lopez de Legazpi led an expedition in 1565, the Spaniards finally gained a foothold in the Philippines. They built the city of Intramuros in 1571, which was later renamed Manila, and became the capital of the land. Eventually, Spanish rule took over, and a feudal system was established— with large estates owned by the Spanish, and Filipinos as the workers. The Spanish years brought prosperity to the Philippines, and their rule remained uneventful. This changed when the British captured Manila in 1762. Under the terms of the Treaty of Paris signed in 1763, the city was handed back in 1764.
The 19th Century
Feelings of nationalism started to stir in the 19th Century. This rebellion grew with the help of Jose Rizal, an author who wrote two novels “El Filibusterismo” (The Filibusterer), and “Noli Me Tangere” (Touch me Not). These books caused a sensation and nationalism spread like wildfire throughout the Philippines. In 1892, Jose Rizal founded a movement called Liga Filipina, which called for reform rather than revolution. As a result Rizal was arrested and exiled to Dapitan on Mindanao.
Parallel to this, a more extreme organisation was formed by Andres Bonifacio, called the Katipunan. A revolution started in August 1896, and Jose Rizal was executed on December 30, 1896 under the pretense of supporting the revolution, even though he did not. Yet his execution merely inflamed Filipino opinion and the revolution grew.
Next started the war between Spain and the U.S. in 1898. The Spanish fleet was defeated by the Americans in Manila Bay on April 30, 1898. Seizing the opportunity, Filipino revolutionaries surrounded Manila, and their leader Emilio Aguinaldo declared the Philippines as independent on June 12. However, American rule took over when Aguinaldo was captured in 1902.
The 20th Century
Under the leadership of Americans, the Philippines was made a commonwealth, and semi-independent in 1935. Literacy rate also increased as many American teachers were sent to the Philippines. The USA promised that the Philippines would become completely independent in 1945.
On December 10, 1941, Japan invaded the Philippines, and captured Manila. All of the Philippines was now in the hands of the Japanese. In October, 1944, American troops returned to the Philippines and recaptured Manila. The Philippines became independent on 4 July 1946. Manuel Roxas was the first president of the newly independent nation.
General Emilio Aguinaldo Declares Independence
Independence Day is celebrated on June 12 because of the general's declaration 121 years ago.
The Philippines Gains Independence
The U.S. occupied the islands from the time they declared their independence from Spain until 1946.
The Philippine's National Anthem is Translated
The original version, unveiled in 1899, was written in Spanish.
Corazon Aquino was elected president and served until 1992.
Independence of the Philippines was a mighty feat. On independence day, the sacrifices of the national heroes are remembered, the country’s sovereignty is appreciated, instilling nationalism in the citizens, as well as celebrating the culture and tradition of its people.
Parades are held nationwide, with participation from the government, and the citizens. As it is a national holiday, businesses, offices, and schools are closed, and families spend the day in parks, and doing other celebratory activities. Filipino communities abroad also celebrate with programs, and annual parades.
7,100 – the number of islands constituting the Philippines.
28.1% – the percentage of Tagalog people that make up the Filipino population.
108.1 million – the population of the Philippines.
80% – the percentage of people in the Philippines who are Roman Catholic.
1521 – the year when Ferdinand Magellan claimed the Philippine islands for Spain.
Officially, The Republic of the Philippines gained independence from the U.S. on July 4, 1946.
The one celebrated June 12 recognizes the day the islands broke free from Spanish rule. However, American forces occupied the Philippines until 1946. Independence came on July 4, the same day as American Independence Day, but Filipinos recognize June 12 as the day of their rightful day of independence.
The Republic of the Philippines was formally recognized as independent on July 4, 1946.
National, state, and organizational flags are full of symbolism. Why not create a flag that represents your own family's hopes and strengths?
The 2020 Philippine Independence Day Parade will take place in New York City on June 7.
While balut, described as a "duck embryo street food snack," isn't really something we have a craving for, trying new things (usually) doesn't hurt. Most cultures have interesting menu items, so here's a channel your inner Anthony Bourdain to dabble in new, albeit controversial, cuisine for this holiday?
How many boxers wind up in public office? Manny's now a Senator of the Philippines. Try to stay on his good side.
We know — he's only half Filipino. But, if it's the half that's going to order "strawberry champagne on ice" with that magical voice, we'll take it.
The wife of former President Ferdinand Marcos, she was forced to flee along with him to Hawaii after a coup in 1986. Imelda also had something to do with shoes.
Two words: La Bamba! An extremely talented actor who often flies under the radar, he's like that missing aircraft in a nasty storm. When he finally comes back on screen, you're so relieved to see him again. Welcome back, old buddy!
Fluent in three languages? Check! Weirdest name ever? Probably not, but close. Member of a band that leaves you with conflicted feelings about your musical tastes? Yup! The always stylish Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas would definitely keep things interesting at the dinner table.
The one celebrated June 12 recognizes the day the islands broke free from Spanish rule. However, American forces occupied the Philippines until 1946. Independence came on July 4, the same day as American Independence Day, but Filipinos recognize June 12 as the day of their rightful day of independence.
Talk about loyalty. The original iteration of the flag, unfurled in 1898, is the one Filipinos still fly proudly today. The flag's white triangle stands for equality, while the sunburst inside represents the eight provinces that took up arms agains Spain. The blue stripe stands for peace, truth and justice and the red stripe for patriotism and valor. The three stars symbolize the three island groups of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
"[Indepencence] was the most significant event in our country's history. Not only did we put an end to more than three centuries of subservience but we also resolved to determine the course of our own destiny as a nation." — Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on June 11, 2019.