A Battle for Freedom

        Independence, a strong word that everyone always longed for. The definition we know of independence is about not relying on others and can do something yourself without the help of others, like women’s independence and empowerment. Though there is another definition of independence. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, independence or being independent is not subject to control by others and showing the desire for freedom. Another word that goes with independence is self-government, which is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as a government under the control and direction of the inhabitants of a political unit rather than by an outside authority broadly.

        With the definitions in mind, the question now is why do we celebrate Independence Day? Of course we have to celebrate when our country was freed from being controlled over by another country, it is to celebrate our freedom and acknowledge and respect the people in the past who have fought for our country to regain our freedom. In the Philippines, we celebrate Independence Day also known as ‘Araw ng Kasarinlan’ or ‘Day of Freedom’ on June 12. this day commemorates the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain on June 12th 1898.

        Let’s take a trip back in memory lane, so that we can discover how we gained independence in the first place. Since the middle of the sixteenth century, Philippines have been ruled by the Spanish Empire for 300 years, and Filipino revolutionaries led by Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed independence for the Philippines. Filipino revolutionaries and American troops had driven the Spanish out by mid-August, but Aguinaldo's aspirations for independence were shattered when the US legally annexed the Philippines as part of its peace accord with Spain. Philippines established a self-governing commonwealth in 1935. After a 10-year transition, Manuel Quezon was elected president and was tasked with preparing the country for independence. During World War II, the islands were occupied by the Japanese in 1942, and US soldiers and Filipinos fought together to regain control in 1944 – 1945. The Republic of the Philippines gained independence on July 4, 1946.

        I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan of history, but we can all say that Philippines have gone through a lot of obstacles and challenges so that we can regain freedom and independence. As we continue on to celebrate Independence day, we should remember the people who fought and sacrificed themselves for the country’s future. Independence day also benefits the new generation to be inspired to serve their county. We should be thankful to God that He had given us courageous and brave men, because without them we wouldn’t be a free country yet.

Reference:
Independent. Retrieved on May 31, 2022. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/independent
Self-government. Retrieved on May 31, 2022. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-government
Philippines Independence Day (1898): June 12, 2021. Retrieved on May 31, 2022. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/philippines.html
Independence Day in Philippines in 2022. May 31, 2022. https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/philippines/philippines-independence-day
75th Independence Day 2021: Learn About Independence Day History And Importance On August 15. Retrieved on May 31, 2022. https://www.careerindia.com/features/independence-day-history-importance-and-significance-students-should-know-025372.html
Today in Philippine history, June 12, 1962, the "June 12" Independence Day, was observed for the first time. Retrieved on May 31, 2022. https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/1653/today-in-philippine-history-june-12-1962-the-june-12-independence-day-was-observed-for-the-first-time
Raised fist painting in Philippine Flag. Retrieved on May 31, 2022. https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/raised-fist-painted-in-philippine-flag-showing-strong-and-love-for-the-country-gm1184169788-333216208
Philippine Independence Day 2017. Retrieved on May 31, 2022. https://www.google.com/doodles/philippine-independence-day-2017