Xiao Time: Ang paglilipat ng Araw ng Kasarinlan patungong Hunyo 12

Summary

The video discusses the history behind the shift of the Philippines' Independence Day from July 4 to June 12. It highlights key events such as the U.S. recognition of Philippine independence in 1946 and the lingering connection with America during July 4 celebrations. The importance of June 12, the day Emilio Aguinaldo declared independence in 1898, is emphasized. The movement to change the date gained momentum in the 1960s, spearheaded by historical figures like Professor Gabriel Fabela and President Diosdado Macapagal, culminating in the official shift in 1962 and 1964, symbolizing a break from America's influence.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Philippine Independence Day was originally celebrated on July 4, in recognition of the country's independence by the United States in 1946.
• 😀 The July 4 celebration was also the U.S. Independence Day, which led to Filipinos feeling overshadowed during their own celebrations.
• 😀 There were concerns that celebrating on July 4 continued to tie the Philippines to American interests, highlighting a lack of complete independence.
• 😀 General Emilio Aguinaldo declared Philippine independence on June 12, 1898, making it a significant historical day in Filipino freedom.
• 😀 Some historians and figures, like Professor Gabriel F. Fabela, advocated for moving the Independence Day celebration to June 12 to honor Filipino self-proclamation of independence.
• 😀 The Philippine Historical Association (PHA) played a key role in pushing for the change of the holiday to June 12, advocating for national pride.
• 😀 President Diosdado Macapagal led the charge to officially change the Independence Day to June 12, issuing Proclamation No. 28 in 1962.
• 😀 The shift to June 12 symbolized the Philippines' assertion of complete sovereignty and independence, without reliance on America.
• 😀 Macapagal’s move also reflected the desire to mark the nation’s freedom on the day that it was proclaimed by Filipinos themselves, not granted by another country.
• 😀 The change was formalized in 1964 with the signing of a law that made June 12 a public holiday in the Philippines, further reinforcing the shift.

Q & A

Why was the date of Independence Day moved from July 4 to June 12 in the Philippines?

The date was moved to June 12 to commemorate the day when General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed Philippine independence in 1898, marking the moment when Filipinos declared their independence, not when it was granted by another country.

What was the significance of July 4 for the Philippines before the change?

Before the change, July 4 was celebrated as Independence Day because, in 1946, the United States recognized the Philippines' independence and relinquished control over the islands. It was also the American Independence Day.

What was the issue with celebrating Independence Day on July 4?

Celebrating on July 4 meant that Filipinos were still tied to American interests, and the celebrations often outshone Filipino traditions. It also reinforced the idea that independence was granted by the U.S., rather than being an inherent right.

What does the use of the term 'recognize' in President Truman's declaration suggest about Philippine independence?

The use of the term 'recognize' implies that the independence was not granted by the U.S., but rather, it acknowledged a pre-existing condition of freedom. It contrasted with General Aguinaldo's view that the U.S. merely returned the freedom that was taken in 1899.

Why did the celebration on June 12 hold more significance for some historians?

June 12 is significant because it was the day General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed Philippine independence in 1898. It represented a Filipino-led declaration of independence, rather than one imposed or granted by another nation.

Who spearheaded the campaign to move Independence Day from July 4 to June 12?

The campaign was led by retired history professor Gabriel Fabela, a former lawmaker from Romblon, and supported by the Philippine Historical Association (PHA), which aimed to emphasize Filipino independence.

What role did President Diosdado Macapagal play in the shift of Independence Day?

President Macapagal played a crucial role by issuing Proclamation No. 28 on May 12, 1962, which officially moved Independence Day to June 12. He also symbolically raised the hand of Aguinaldo during the first celebration of the newly recognized holiday.

What was the impact of Macapagal's cancellation of his state visit to the U.S. in 1962?

Macapagal's cancellation of his visit to the U.S. was a response to the U.S. Congress's refusal to approve an additional war payment for Filipinos. This move was seen as a strong statement of sovereignty, setting the stage for the shift to June 12 as Independence Day.

What formal legislation followed Macapagal's proclamation regarding the shift of Independence Day?

After Macapagal's proclamation, legislation was introduced by Congressman Ramon Mitra, Sr., which formalized the shift of Independence Day to June 12, and this was signed into law on August 4, 1964.

What symbolic message did the shift of Independence Day from July 4 to June 12 send to the United States?

The shift symbolized the Philippines' assertion of its sovereignty and a move away from dependence on the United States, signaling that the country was no longer tied to American influence and interests.