By Ms. Cheryl Sevegan
In its most basic sense, Patriotism, always associated with Nationalism, is the love for or devotion to one’s country. Often, it may be strengthened by adherence to a national religion, i.e. Christianity, Islam or Judaism, or sometimes tied to an ideology such as communism.
A government that exercises its sovereignty as a nation usually has its birthdate. It’s the most important and significant day commemorated year after year, evoking a sense of nostalgia, awakening that sense of patriotism amongst the local inhabitants especially if freedom was achieved from the tyranny of colonial or foreign rule after a terrible battle that resulted to the loss of countless of lives.
Our beloved homeland, the Philippines, was blessed with heroes who sacrificed their lives to be able to attain independence which ordinary Filipino citizens now enjoy. Thus, we commemorate its independence annually wherever we are as a sign and identity of our being ‘Filipino’. However, the best way we could show our love and affection to our nation is by being proud of our heritage, never be ashamed of our culture and race, and by patronizing Philippine-made products and what we can call our ‘OWN.” But the glaring fact nowadays is that most Filipinos, especially the younger generation, have been influenced by whatever is ‘foreign’, obvious examples are the way they speak and buy things labeled ‘imported’.
While most of us may not be aware or have forgotten the history of our nation’s birth, it may as well help us refresh our memory by taking note of some historical facts about our unique and wonderful country.
June 12, 1898 is the most significant date in the history of the Philippines because it marked the nation’s independence from Spanish rule, our first foreign conquerors. The Philippine independence was first proclaimed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo on this day in Kawit, Cavite, a simple ceremony held at the balcony of Aguinaldo’s residence where the Act of the Declaration of Independence or Acta de la Proclamación de Independencia del Pueblo Filipino was read. It was also where the Philippine flag made by Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo, and Delfina Herboza was unfolded and the national anthem “Lupang Hinirang” composed by Julian Felipe was heard.
Many Filipinos don’t know the fact that Independence Day used to be celebrated every 4th of July. On July 4, 1946, the Philippine flag was again raised in Rizal monument in Manila. It was only in 1962 when former President Diosdado Macapagal realized the need to move Independence Day to June 12. On May 12 of the same year, he signed Proclamation No. 28 to recognize the declaration made by the country’s first President Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in 1898. However, it was only on August 4, 1964 when Republic Act No. 4166 was signed. It moved Independence Day to June 12 and made July 4 as the Philippine Republic Day, now known as the Filipino-American Friendship Day.
While Macapagal was credited for moving the date of the Independence Day, little has been known about the person behind this idea. Gabriel F. Fabella is considered as the father of June 12 Independence Day. Fabella, a member of the First National Assembly from 1935 to 1938, had the idea of changing the date in 1959 after realizing that the efforts of Aguinaldo and other Filipino heroes needed to be recognized. He submitted a resolution to the Philippine Historical Association which became the basis of a bill seeking to change the date of the country’s Independence Day. The bill was authored by Congressman Ramon Mitra.
Mr. Fabella cited several reasons in moving the Independence Day, arguing that the US celebrates its independence every July 4 not September 3 — the day Great Britain recognized their liberty (September 3, 1783). Celebrating it on July 4 coincides with the US Independence Day, giving the wrong notion that the country is still part of the US, he stressed. Fabella’s campaign was also backed by former Education Secretary Alejandro Roces, Rep. Ramon Mitra Sr., and Aguinaldo.
I know that many are not aware of the National Flag Day which is on May 28. On May 28, 1898, the Philippine flag was first unfurled after the Philippine Revolutionary Army defeated Spanish forces in the Battle at Alapan, Imus, Cavite. It was formally presented to the people on June 12, 1898. From 1919, when the Philippine flag was once more legalized until 1940, Flag Day was observed in October, the date the Philippine Legislature had restored the flag. From 1941 to 1964, Flag Day was commemorated on the date the national flag was unfurled in Kawit.
In order to commemorate the date the national emblem was first unfurled in battle, President Diosdado Macapagal issued Proclamation No. 374, 1965, which moved the National Flag Day to May 28 since the National Flag Day coincides with Independence Day.
And on May 23, 1994, President Fidel V. Ramos issued Executive Order no. 179, stretching National Flag Day into an extended period, from May 28 to June 12, culminating in the celebration of Independence Day. All Filipinos are encouraged to display the Philippine flag in all private and government offices, business establishments, schools and private homes throughout this period.
Filipinos all over the world joyfully commemorates this significant event in our lives. Independence or National Day is the biggest and most extravagant celebration that depicts our patriotism showcasing our rich cultural heritage by proudly wearing traditional Filipino costumes ‘Barong Tagalog’ and ‘Filipiniana’ or ‘Baro’t Saya’.
In Israel and other nations where sizeable number of Filipinos reside, the Philippine Embassy usually observe this special occasion by organizing events, inviting foreign friends and guest nation’s diplomatic corps on the very same date to witness the unfurling of our country’s flag while singing our Pambansang Awit. Afterwards, special numbers such as cultural dance presentations and booths offering a wide variety of local ethic products and commodities are available in each stand for guests and visitors to admire.
The Filipino community in Israel, headed by the umbrella organization Federation of Filipino Communities in Israel (FFCI), always exerts huge effort for this big event. They organized a Gala Night for a Cause on March 14, 2014 at the Kaleo Hall, 11 Yad Harutzim, Tel Aviv wherein most attendees wore beautifully designed Philippine National costumes. While on June 21, 2014 at the Duhl Theather, 76 Hatikva, East Tel Aviv, the biggest celebration for this very special occasion took place. It was attended by many organizations and a big number of Filipino workers in Israel who wanted to feel the significance of this very special day, of course HE Ambassador Generoso D.G. Calonge leading the celebration of our Independence Day.
President Benigno Aquino III, as the head of the nation, led the Independence Day celebration in the Philippines with a flag-raising ceremony and a speech at Plaza Kinse Marteres in Naga City. The President aimed to highlight Naga’s contribution in the struggle for independence. It has been the President’s tradition to visit places that have significant contribution to the country’s independence. Like last year, the President celebrated Independence Day at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, in Malolos, Bulacan in 2012, and in Kawit, Cavite in 2011.
Below is President Aquino’s speech at the 116th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence delivered at Malacañang Palace on June 12, 2014.
Magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat.
One hundred and sixteen years ago, our forefathers declared the Philippines an independent country: a people united under one flag, their voices rising in the same hymn; a people free to chart the path that our nation would take. So, allow me to thank all of you for joining us in celebrating the independence of the Philippines.
This, however, is not only a celebration. Today, we renew our commitment to honor the immense sacrifice made by our ancestors and to work towards realizing the full benefits of independence. This responsibility falls on the shoulders of all Filipinos. Perhaps especially for those of us in government, the depth and the breadth of this responsibility can be challenging.
As President, I am tasked with ensuring a balance between taking care of all the concerns within our borders—how to create more jobs and opportunities for our countrymen, how to invest more funds into social services, how to improve our resilience in times of disaster, and how to build peace, among many others.
At the same time, we recognize that being an independent country means being part of the larger international community. A solely inward-looking approach to governance is doomed to fail; any responsible country knows that it must also work alongside its brother nations to address the world’s problems. This is what the Philippines is doing, even with our limitations. For example, we have an active contingent in the UN Peacekeeping Force in the Golan Heights—even if the situation has changed dramatically, with no less than three incidents affecting Filipino peacekeepers. One may ask: why do we do this? In turn, I would ask them: is there any problem unique to one country?
At present, around ten million Filipinos are living and working in other shores. Thus, when I hear reports of problems anywhere in the world, my first thought is always: were any Filipinos involved? Today, also, the entire world is witness to the adverse effects of climate change. Despite the Philippines being recognized as a country with a very small carbon footprint, like many island countries, we bear a disproportionate burden when it comes to the ravages of climate change. Can my country afford to be silent about the effects of global warming—when it has already affected the lives of so many people from all across the globe?
In the same vein, time and again, the international community has reached out to the Philippines. This was clear in the assistance given by so many countries throughout our peace process. This was clear in the global outpouring of sympathy and assistance for the Filipino people in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan—assistance that continues to this very day. All these underscore the principle that characterizes our collective actions: solidarity that leads to the benefit of all.
Let me emphasize: all my government’s efforts are undertaken for the empowerment of our countrymen. I have a responsibility to the Filipino people, just as other leaders have a responsibility to their own peoples. Each of our countries is beset with its own internal problems. But at the same time, we recognize that no comprehensive solution can be reached, without also taking into consideration the problems that the global community faces. None of us can realize our goals in isolation.
As such, a fine balance must be struck to avoid interfering in others’ affairs. This can be achieved by rendering genuine and meaningful assistance, rather than by imposing our own views and policies on others—this can be achieved through sincere cooperation. Indeed: the world is united by more than just the interconnectivity afforded by technology; we are united by a commonality of purpose: how to overcome inequality, injustice, and conflict, and thus foster lasting progress, peace, and stability in an environment that truly upholds the rule of law.
On this occasion, we are joined by our partners and friends in the Diplomatic Corps. Excellencies, your presence today further solidifies the Philippines’ ties with the countries you represent. The deepening relationships our country enjoys with your countries today—not only in ASEAN but with the rest of the community of nations—have led to increased opportunities for all our peoples—opportunities to understand other cultures and build on goodwill, to improve economic ties, and to work towards maintaining stability, reason, and harmony in the entire world. These are relationships that we want to nurture—these are relationships that any country of goodwill should commit to nurturing.
Excellencies, it is my hope that we can continue to maximize cooperation and avenues for dialogue, in realizing our aspirations for our peoples. Together, we have the best chance of eliminating our common problems. Divided, we may have no chance at all.
On this note, Your Excellencies, fellow workers in government, ladies and gentlemen, I ask you to rise and join me in a toast:
To the friendships and partnerships embodied in this gathering today: may they grow stronger in the coming years, and by so doing, redound to the benefit of all peoples of goodwill;
To my fellow workers in government: may we strive, every day, to render true and honest service, remaining mindful that our mandate and authority emanate from the people. And to the resilience and continued success of the Filipino people: may we continue to tread the straight path towards securing a brighter future in which no one is left behind.
Mabuhay!
