Independence Day Description
Independence Day (Araw ng Kalayaan) on June 12th is one of the most important national holidays in the Philippines, commemorating the declaration of independence from Spanish colonial rule in 1898 at Kawit, Cavite, by General Emilio Aguinaldo. The Philippine flag was first unfurled to the sound of the Marcha Nacional Filipina (now the national anthem, Lupang Hinirang). The President leads the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, with simultaneous ceremonies at Rizal Park (Luneta) in Manila, the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan, and other historical sites nationwide. A grand military-civic parade follows in major cities. Government offices, banks, post offices, and schools close. The day is marked by patriotic fervor — flags are displayed on homes and buildings, and schools hold programs in the week leading up to June 12th. In 2026, June 12th falls on a Friday, creating a natural long weekend. The holiday is a popular time for family outings to historical sites, museums, and parks. The National Museum and other government-run museums typically offer free admission.
