President Aquino celebrates Independence Day 2015 in Santa Barbara, Iloilo

The movement for Philippine independence from Spain was a collective one—a national movement. This has been recognized by President Benigno S. Aquino III, as reflected in his Independence Day commemorations of the past years held in various crucial settings. This annual pilgrimage by the President emphasizes that the revolution was truly nationwide in extent and character.

In 2011, the President led the commemoration of the 113th anniversary of the proclamation of independence in Kawit, Cavite—where the Philippine flag was first waved before its people, and the national anthem first played. In 2012, the President headed the ceremonies from Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan—the venue of the Malolos Congress, which had drafted the Constitution of our First Republic. In 2013, the President led the commemoration from Liwasang Bonifacio.

Last year, President Aquino led the Independence Day celebration from Naga City, Camarines Sur, to commemorate the great contribution of the Bicol region to the Philippine Revolution, exemplified by the martyrdom of the Quince Martires—the 15 Bicolano Martyrs—on January 4, 1897.

This year, the President will be celebrating Independence Day in Santa Barbara, Iloilo, in commemoration of the Visayan contribution to Philippine Independence, culminating in milestone events that transpired in the town. On November 17, 1898, at the plaza of Santa Barbara, the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Visayas was inaugurated, and Roque Lopez was elected President. The Philippine flag was raised by General Martin Delgado, marking the first time the national flag was hoisted outside of Luzon. The provisional government was a precursor to the Federal State of the Visayas that was later on abolished upon the Visayan’s joining of the First Republic.

Next year, Independence Day will be commemorated in Zamboanga City (Mindanao), in recognition of the Republic of Zamboanga, which was formed after the collapse of Spanish colonial rule in 1899. The Republic of Zamboanga was soon overtaken by the American occupation.

Article from the Official Gazette.

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