Independence Day has come again. For some, it is a day marked by joyous celebrations and expressions of gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy. For others, it is marked by rowdy gatherings of drunkenness, seemingly absent of any real patriotism. In any case, it surely ought to be marked by reflection. The declaration of independence is one of the most important milestones in Philippine history because it marks the nation’s independence from the Spanish rule on June 12, 1898. This day of freedom is unique, important, and meaningful in the history of our beloved country, the Philippines. To the Filipino people, this is a great day that values ​​the memories and achievements of our heroes who have invested their lives, talents, sweat, blood, and sacrifice for the sake of freedom and all the events that broke the shackles of slavery among the Filipinos are part of our history of celebrating Independence Day.
The independence of the Philippines is caused by the revolt that the Filipinos had done way back in their time when they were captured and conquered by different conquerors. Philippine independence happened because there were people who tried so hard to claim our country and made its people their servants. Getting the independence that we celebrate every year is a tough battle wherein our ancestors had to go through so much and even made sacrifices just for us to have a better and safer place to live.
Being captured and conquered by larger countries who are also good at fighting and have the power to do whatever they can is a huge challenge to our ancestors. They were conquered by three big and powerful countries who were also good at battles; the three countries were Spain, Japan, and the United States of America. All of them were frightening in different contexts during their stay in the country. The Japanese people, despite helping us with innovations and other contexts, gave every Filipino a very hard time. So are the Spanish conquerors who ruled over the Philippines for more than 300 years. The Americans weren’t that kind to our ancestors either. They fooled us into being given to them, but the truth is that the conquerors before them sold the Filipinos to the Americans. Though they’ve given help in different aspects, we still cannot remove and forget the fact that they once conquered us. The claiming of independence of the Filipino people wasn’t easy; they heard and suffered worst than we can ever imagine under the hands of these conquerors, some of the Filipinos even turned their back on their country and allied with conquerors just so they can have good and privileged lives despite knowing that their fellow countrymen are suffering.
The nation’s rough yet triumphant journey to freedom is one of those things Filipinos should never forget. This commemoration is an admonition for Filipinos to cultivate a thirst for knowing the rich history of the country, including its struggle for independence. The celebration and commemoration of Independence Day in the Philippines at this time of the pandemic have been quite out of the ordinary without much fanfare. There were no parades nationwide, with less physical participation on the part of citizens and even from the government. There were not many celebratory activities since many areas of the country are still under lockdown. Nevertheless, despite a sense of frustration and exasperation, Filipinos still pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifices made to build this nation; it is important that we remember the full cost of liberty, and not forget that independence is more readily available when people remain focused on the fullest pursuit of their happiness rather than condemning the way others pursue theirs.
Being here and enjoying the freedom that our ancestors fought for is already something that we, Filipinos, can actually be grateful for. If not for our ancestors, we will never be free from the hands of those who have conquered us. The life that we are enjoying, which comes along with freedom, will never be possible if they didn’t revolt or go against these conquerors. Those who fought for our independence are heroes, and no matter how many years may pass, we will always be grateful for what they have done. Freedom is expensive back then, but now, we can enjoy it without the worries of conquerors.
Online Sources:
John Elijah Santos, ArtStation, Retrieved on June 26, 2022
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/GBmZ3/
The Pinoy Warrior, Blogger, Retrieved on June 26, 2022
http://www.thepinoywarrior.com/2011/06/araw-ng-kalayaan.html
Anonymous, Flickr, Retrieved on June 26, 2022
https://www.flickr.com/photos/infiniteshutter/3622161916/player/e0ab30c3f4/
Idiopathic Nurse, Tumblr, Retrieved on June 26, 2022
https://idiopathic-nurse-blog.tumblr.com/post/174821973356/maligayang-araw-ng-kalayaan-pilipinas/
Mwaayk Arts, ArtStation, Retrieved on June 26, 2022
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/aWLAL/
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