Philippine Independence, The Most Significant Event in our Country's History

 

     The Philippine Revolution is one of the most important events in the country’s history, awakening a proud sense of nationalism for generations of Filipinos to come. In a period of heavy struggle and conflict, Filipinos of different backgrounds united with a common goal: to resist colonialism.

     The revolution against Spain was sparked in 1896 after Spanish authorities discovered the “Katipunan,” a Filipino revolutionary society plotting against their colonizers. It ended in 1902, where Spain lost and ceded sovereignty of the Philippines to the United States.

   Andres Bonifacio was the Supreme of the Katipunan (association), or as it was also known: Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Highest and Most Venerated Association of the Sons and Daughters of the Land). The organization drew inspiration from Dr. Jose Rizal, whose literary works, particularly Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, exposed the cruelties of the Spanish colonisers. Before Katipunan was established, both Bonifacio and Rizal were part of ‘La Liga Filipina’ – a progressive organization initiated by Rizal that sought peaceful reforms. After Rizal’s arrest and deportation to Dapitan, La Liga Filipina dissolved. This was later replaced by a call for aggressive reforms, put forward and favored by Bonifacio. Upon hearing of Rizal’s arrest, Bonifacio and his fellows founded the Katipunan. The anti-colonial secret organization eventually attracted people from lower and middle classes across the country, enjoining them in an armed revolt against Spain. Rizal, the country’s national hero, refused to participate. He believed timing wasn’t on their side and the nation was still unprepared. In spite of his friend’s reservations, Bonifacio and his fellow Katipuneros continued with their plan. Yet on August 1896, a Spanish friar found them out. Meanwhile, Aguinaldo became friendly with the United States. He met with a US consul who advised him to cooperate with the Americans. And so, from his exile in Hong Kong, Bonifacio eventually returned to the Philippines and resumed the attacks against the Spanish authorities.

   And on June 12, 1898, Aguinaldo declared the country’s independence and the birth of the Philippine Republic. From his balcony in his house in Kawit, Cavite, the Philippine flag was unfurled. The Philippines’ National Anthem, “Lupang Hinirang” was first heard by the Filipino people. It was December of that year when the Spanish government ceded the Philippines to the United States through the Treaty of Paris. While it ended the Spanish-American War, the Americans took possession of the Philippines. Independence had not really been achieved.

Valdeavilla, Ronica. (2018, July 30). https://tinyurl.com/4cmjm3jv