Article by Arabella Balderama

On June 12, 2023, the 125th celebration of Independence Day themed “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan,” was commemorated at the Quirino Grandstand after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at Rizal Park.

The program kicked off through an Independence Day grand parade with a theme “Alab ng Puso”, following the opening messages from Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuña and Dr. Emmanuel Calairo, Chairman of National Historical Commission of the Philippines. 

President Marcos then delivered a speech which challenged Filipinos to unite and assert the liberties their ancestors had fought for the country.

“One hundred and twenty five years since the declaration of independence in Cavite, it is appropriate to pause, to reflect on how far we have come from that profound transformative event in our history,” he stated.

“Let us bind ourselves to support our free and independent republic if need be with our lives, with our fortunes, and with our most sacred blessing—our honor. We owe this to our national heroes who had won for us this freedom that we now enjoy. We owe this to the next generations of Filipinos to whom we swear to bequeath a stronger and genuinely free republic,” Marcos Jr. concluded.

“Banda Matanda,” a band from General Trias, Cavite, then began the Independence Day grand parade, preceding the members of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines carrying the flags of the Philippines and local government units participating in the ceremony.

Other government agencies also participated in the parade, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, alongside non-government organizations, such as the Association of Volunteer Fire Chiefs and Firefighters of the Philippines Incorporated.

Citizens also showcased their talents during the celebration through various cultural performances in the form of music and dance.

Flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies were also held simultaneously in Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, San Juan, Caloocan, Angeles City, Cebu City, and Davao City, with over 8,000 police officers deployed to ensure public security.

Thumbnail from The Philippine Daily Inquirer