Philippines Independence Day — 12 June
Philippines celebrates its Independence Day every year on 12 June, marking the events of 1898.
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Why 12 June?
The Philippines celebrates Independence Day on 12 June, commemorating the 1898 proclamation of independence from Spain in Kawit, Cavite, when General Emilio Aguinaldo unfurled the national flag and the national march was played for the first time. Although the United States subsequently took control after the Spanish-American War — and formally granted independence only on 4 July 1946 — President Diosdado Macapagal moved the official celebration to 12 June in 1962 to honour the original Filipino declaration. The flag's blue field stands for peace and justice, red for patriotism and valour, the white triangle for equality, and the golden sun with eight rays for the first provinces to revolt, with three stars for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Uniquely, the flag is flown with the red stripe uppermost in times of war. Independence Day is a public holiday marked by flag ceremonies, parades and a presidential address at historic sites across the archipelago.
Learn what every colour and symbol means on the Philippines flag page.
Quick facts
- Date
- 12 June (every year)
- Official name
- Independence Day
- Commemorates
- 1898
- Public holiday
- Yes, in Philippines