June 12, 1898—this is one of the most remembered dates in Philippine History, marking the freedom of Filipinos from the colonizers that ruled the country for three centuries. Right at the start of June, Philippine flags in various sizes can be seen hanging everywhere, from national roads to the front doors or gates of almost every household.
Photo source: Philippine News Agency
To celebrate Independence Day, here are some collected interesting facts and myths you need to know about Philippine Independence:
FACT: The original Philippine Flag is lost up to date
The actual Philippine Flag made by Marcela Agoncillo was lost in Tayug, Pangasinan. After the flag was waved at Kawit, Cavite (known as “Cavite el Viejo” back then) for the declaration, General Aguinaldo brought the original flag to Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan—the site of the First Philippine Republic.
Photo source: National Historical Commission of the Philippines
When the Philippine-American War started, Aguinaldo had to flee further up north, taking the original flag with him. It was then lost somewhere in the province of Pangasinan. Until now, the specific whereabouts of the first Philippine flag remain a mystery.
MYTH: General Emilio Aguinaldo waved the Philippine Flag during the declaration
Contrary to popular belief, the first president of the Philippine Republic was not the one who waved the Philippine Flag during the proclamation of independence. It was Gen. Aguinaldo’s legal advisor, Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, also known as Don Bosyong, who first waved the Philippine Flag. Also, Don Bosyong was the one who read the Declaration of Independence from Spain in Kawit, Cavite.
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FACT: The first anniversary of the Philippine Independence was celebrated in Angeles, Pampanga
In 1899, Gen. Aguinaldo celebrated the first anniversary of Independence in the northern part of the Philippines, specifically in Angeles, Pampanga. During this anniversary celebration, the president reiterated that the Philippine flag was the symbol of the Filipinos’ hunger and fight for freedom, and the country’s independence coming to reality. It also symbolized the long-time endurance and sacrifices made by each Filipino citizen.1
MYTH: The first president of the Philippine republic was present during the declaration
It falls into common sense and belief that the first recognized president of the Philippine Republic, General Aguinaldo, was present during the country’s most remarkable historical event celebrated on the 12th of June. On an account by American journalist Trumbull White, the first president was not in Kawit, but somewhere in the Cavite province during the declaration, to escape possible assassination attempts as the country was still facing threats from foreign forces at the time.
FACT: The independence proclamation happened in the afternoon
Photo source: National Historical Commission of the Philippines
Most of the media reenactments of the Philippine Independence Declaration showed how it happened in the morning. Based on the accounts of the National Anthem composer Julian Felipe, the proclamation happened around 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. It was logistically impossible for the delegates coming from different parts of Luzon to reach Kawit, Cavite by morning, especially when transportation was not as advanced back then.
MYTH: The patriotic symbolism of colors in the Philippine Flag
There are common representations of Philippine flag colors taught during history class—the white represented liberty; the red, patriotism; and the blue, peace. According to Don Bosyong’s speech during the declaration, the colors were actually from the United States flag (similarly bearing the red, blue, and white combination), as a recognition of their friendship, and gratitude for their help during the end of the Spanish regime.
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FACT: The white triangle in the Philippine Flag symbolized the Katipunan
The white triangle signified the blood compact of the Katipuneros, the ones who fought ‘til the nation won over its independence from the over 300-year long inquisition.2 Also, the triangle representation refers to the way of recruitment of the Katipunan, known as the “triangle method”, where the act of blood compact was a part of.
MYTH: The Philippine Flag was first unfurled on June 12, 1898
Photo source: Philippine News Agency
From the time Marcela Agoncillo completed the Philippine Flag, it was to be expected that the flag was first “unfurled” or “spread out” during the declaration of Independence. With the Filipinos victory against the forces attempting to win power over Philippine governance, the Philippine Flag was first unfurled a month before, after the battle success in Imus, Cavite. This historical event was more popularly known as the victory in the Battle of Alapan.
FACT: Julian Felipe’s “Lupang Hinirang” was the country’s second (2nd) national anthem
The “Lupang Hinirang” sang during the start of the day, week, or events was the second national anthem of the Philippines. The first one was composed by musician Julio Nakpil, titled “Marangal na Dalit ng Katagalugan”, when he was asked by Andres Bonifacio. The first national anthem was also played during the Declaration, but eventually, General Aguinaldo chose Julian Felipe’s composition as the official national anthem. The original version of the “Marangal na Dalit ng Katagalugan” was destroyed during the Battle for Manila at 1945.3
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MYTH: June 12, 1898 is the official date of the Philippine Independence
While the celebrated June 12, 1898 date was certainly the day when the proclamation happened, according to the records of the treaties with the other involved countries, America and Spain, the recognized date of independence of the Philippines was on 4th of July of the same year. After celebrating Republic Day on July 4 for years, Former President Diosdado Macapagal officially designated June 12 as Independence Day, to avoid having the same Independence date with the United States of America.
Photo source: The National News
Looking back at the country’s history of struggles and victories makes historical events such as Philippine Independence Day more remarkable. This makes love for the country and love for the homeland even stronger.
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Sources:
1https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/697594/little-known-facts-of-independence-day
2https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/culture-profile/philippine-fast-facts/symbolisms-meanings-in-the-philippine-flag/
3http://malacanang.gov.ph/7815-the-national-anthems-predecessor-and-influences/
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2011/05/28/flag-days-2/
https://opinion.inquirer.net/54291/july-4-not-june-12
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/fast-facts-philippine-flag-misconceptions-trivia
https://tomasinoweb.org/stories/features/debunking-ph-independence-day-myths/
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