12/06/2025
| Independence Day Celebration: Do we celebrate genuine freedom?
Today, June 12th, marked another date that is tremendously significant for Filipinos. While some adapt to a mindset like— “ it's just a normal holiday”. Surely, they missed the whole idea why this holiday even exists. Beyond the parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and online tributes, this day must be a reminder of our nation's struggles, its sacrifices and painful losses in pursuit of freeing our country.
Independence Day is not just any “ holiday”, it is the symbol of resilience and unity of Filipino people. According to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the 1898 declaration in Kawit, Cavite was the result of centuries of resistance—from Lapu-Lapu’s defiance of Magellan in 1521, to the Philippine Revolution led by the Katipunan in the 1890s. This shows that our ancestors did not fight for personal gains but fought for the nation's rights in governance.
On this time, our so-called “ enemy” has changed into corruption, territorial and economic matters, poverty, especially the current political issues, and so on. That's why, some people question if June 12th Independence Day still matters.
These issues are the reasons why we must value Independence Day. June 12th, Independence Day, is not only a holiday for people in our nation to delve into the past and appreciate the sacrifices made by our ancestors— it is also the reason why we must continue to fight for our commitment to our nation, active citizenship, and justice.
Take the ongoing issue about the West Philippine Sea for example. Based on the article of AP News, according to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (2016), the Philippines holds sovereign rights over key areas in the West Philippine Sea, including features like Scarborough Shoal and portions of the Spratly Islands. The tribunal also rejected China’s expansive “nine-dash line” claim, stating that it has no legal basis under international law. Yet despite this legal victory, China continues to ignore the ruling. Based on recent reports by the Philippine Coast Guard, more than 240 Chinese vessels were observed operating in Philippine waters, blocking resupply missions and harassing local fishers.
It is in this light that we must understand independence not as a finished chapter, but as a continuous effort. This shows that back 1898— isn't the end, it is the beginning of a chapter that people must continue to create for the betterness of our nation.
The current various problems our nation encounters — these issues don't mean to prompt us to fight colonizers with bolos and guns, our weapon today is the truth— upholding truth, promoting good governance, and defending human rights.
As we celebrate Independence Day on June 12th, we must bear in mind that it is not just about remembering our heroes, by appreciating the sacrifices they made to free our country. But also a reminder to become responsible citizens, who fight for the right, who defend the vulnerable, to be the voice of the unheard. In this little way, we, mere people, can become a hero in our own way where genuine independence truly reigns.
✍🏻 Krystal Jane Bengil
💻 Mark Bryan Agravante