Students in Cebu Unaware of Independence Day Anniversary on June 12th

Revamped Article:

The looming June 12, 2025 marks the 127th Independence Day celebration, and yet, some students in Cebu are left scratching their heads about just what this day represents.

For some, Independence Day is merely that parade of flags. Confront them with the question of what occurred on June 12, 1898, and you might be met with confused expressions, stifled giggles, or the ever-popular response, "I've got no idea, but I've got this funny feeling it's already been discussed before."

Take the case of Mae, a Grade 12 student who revealed to our site Cebu that while she's aware it's Independence Day today, she remains rather fuzzy on the actual historical event—being independent—so to speak.

On the subject of her historical knowledge deficit, Mae shrugs, attributing it to her preference for staying cooped up at home, along with a lack of interest in technology and history.

Unsurprisingly, three recently graduated junior high students share the same sentiment—either they missed the class discussion, or occasionally, tuned out during it. One student, however, admits, "I'm not entirely sure if it was discussed or I just zoned out. Yet, if it was ever talked about and I paid attention, I reckon I forgot it all."

A Core Curriculum Element

DepEd Central Visayas Director Salustiano Jimenez, in a phone chat, unequivocally asserts that Independence Day is a required part of the curriculum.

Emphasizing the relevance and importance of understanding the country's history, Jimenez states that government offices wave flags and organize activities to remind the youth about the nation's past. However, he acknowledges that some students may struggle due to lackluster engagement.

Jimenez expresses concern that learners tend to resonate more when the subject matter aligns with personal preferences, such as through gaming or engaging, interactive means.

"That's a significant challenge for us within the Department of Education," he contends.

Setting the Stage for Independence

June 12, 1898, would forever be etched in the annals of the Philippines as the day General Emilio Aguinaldo declared its independence from the oppressive reach of Spain's colonial rule. The event, unfolding at Aguinaldo's home in Kawit, Cavite, bore witness to the first display of the Philippine flag and the strains of the national anthem, "Lupang Hinirang."

While this declaration aimed squarely at severing ties with Spain, it marked just the beginning of the Philippines' long journey towards freedom. The nation would soon find itself ensnared in further foreign rule—this time under the United States. Inextricably linked with the end of the Spanish-American War, the United States' acquisition of the Philippines from Spain led to American colonial rule.

Independence from the United States did not come to pass until July 4, 1946. However, in 1962, President Diosdado Macapagal opted to shift the Independence Day celebration from July 4 to June 12 to honor Aguinaldo's original declaration of independence from Spanish rule. Macapagal's choice served to sever ties with the United States and emphasize the Philippines' own revolutionary history.

So, as you indulge in your favorite streaming service series or deepen the doom-scroll vortex this June 12, spare a moment to honor the brave revolutionaries and heroes who tenaciously fought for the independence we enjoy today. And could it hurt to check out "Kawit 1898" on Google?

By RUYZ ANGELA LOIS MAÑACAP, CNU INTERN WITH DPC

The Government in the Philippines, through the Department of Education (DepEd) in Central Visayas, has made the history of Independence Day a required part of the curriculum, recognizing the importance of understanding the country's past.
Concerned about student engagement, DepEd Central Visayas Director Salustiano Jimenez emphasizes the need for education to align with personal preferences to keep learners engaged, such as through interactive means like gaming.
Despite the government's efforts to educate the youth about Independence Day, students like Mae in Cebu, while aware of the day's celebration, remain uninformed about the actual historical event, indicating a gap in education and self-development that needs addressing.