Between 4 to 5 in the afternoon, Emilio Aguinaldo declared the independence of the Philippines at Cavite el Viejo (Kawit). The Philippine flag was officially hoisted and the national anthem entitled Marcha Filipina Magdalo was played.

Truly, it was a moment that those who were present had been waiting for – to finally claim the country’s independence from the oppressors. For approximately 333 years, the country was held hostage to the interest of its colonizer, Spain. With the bloodshed that took place in our homeland, with thousands of lives sacrificed, with a common cause our forefathers had fought for— it was, indeed, a glorious moment.

More than a century has passed; yet, we Filipinos do not forget the historical significance of June 12, 1898 and its unceasing influence to our existence as a nation. Our sense of patriotism has remained blazing despite the many impediments that we face as a nation. With the transition from one administration to another, we have become witnesses as a people whose identity does not only lie with being free from a colonizer but with ways we are united for the common good and a peaceful reform, with the way our country is run by Filipinos, and with the triumphs we have achieved as a people.

The essence of the celebration of our independence finds its embodiment in every Filipino heart. It is housed in every Filipino mind. It is ennobled by every Filipino deed to be of great contribution for the country and reaches greater heights with every Filipino taking pride with his part of making the world a better place to live in.