History of Philippines Independence Day
This year, the whole country is celebrating the 123rd year of Independence from the Spanish conquest of our country.
Here is the Timeline for us to review how the Filipinos achieved Independence in 1898.
Martyrdom of Gomburza (February 17, 1972)
Filipino priests Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora were executed on charges of leading a mutiny at the Cavite arsenal to overthrow the Spanish government. The priests were prominent figures of the Secularization Movement that seeks equality among Filipino and Spanish priests in Church affairs.
Propaganda Movement (1880s)
Filipino ilustrados, most of who were inspired by the martyrdom of GOMBURZA, began seeking political reforms from Spain. They were particularly very critical of Spanish friars. Jose Rizal, the most prominent ilustrado, published his two novels during this time.
Katipunan (July 7, 1892)
In the wake of Rizal’s arrest and deportation, a revolutionary society was formed by Andres Bonifacio and his like-minded colleagues. The aim was complete independence from Spain through the armed revolution.
Philippine Revolution (August 29, 1896)
Bonifacio executes his plan to disarm Manila by attacking its water source in San Juan del Monte. A battle ensues the next day. Although the revolutionaries were defeated, it sparked the beginning of the revolution that eventually spread across the islands.
Pact of Biak na Bato (December 15, 1897)
The leadership of the revolution transferred to Emilio Aguinaldo, who excelled on the battlefields of Cavite. By the end of the year on December 15, Aguinaldo signed a truce with the Spaniards. He and his generals were exiled to Hong Kong. while the revolution continued in the Philippines.
Battle of Manila Bay (May 1, 1898)
Spanish-American War reached Philippine shores when the U.S. Navy attacked and defeated the Spanish army and naval squadron.
Emilio Aguinaldo Returns (May 19 1898)
With American support, Emilio Aguinaldo returns to the Philippines and resumes leadership of the revolution. To maintain peace and order, he established a provisional dictatorial government on May 23.
Philippine Flag (May 28, 1898)
After a victory against the Spaniards at the Battle of Alapan in Imus, Cavite, Aguinaldo unfurls the Philippine Flag for the first time.
Declaration of Philippine Independence (June 12, 1898)
Aguinaldo proclaimed Philippine Independence at his ancestral home in Kawit, Cavite.
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