Philippine Independence Day 2020 is celebrating the nation’s heroic frontliners in the battle against the coronavirus disease pandemic amid simpler ceremonies following health and safety protocols of the community quarantine to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) leads the nationwide observation of the 122nd Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence from Spain held on June 12, 1898, amidst simpler celebrations without the usual ceremonial elements, crowds, parades, and day-long events.
People will be asked instead to follow the celebrations on the online streaming sites of NHCP museums and lead venues of the celebrations.
The commemoration of June 12, 2020, carries the theme, “Kalayaan 2020: Tungo sa Bansang Malaya, Nagbabayanihan, at Ligtas (Kalayaan 2020: Towards a Free, United, and Safe Nation)” in various celebration sites across the nation.
The official poster of Independence Day 2020 was released by NHCP on June 4 together with the announcement of the unique dedication of the celebration to the people in the frontlines of the fight against the pandemic – health workers, security personnel, food servers, armed forces, and government workers, among many others.
“Our Independence Day celebration, despite its simplicity, is no less significant. On 12 June, we will express our gratitude to the people who lead the fight the COVID-19 pandemic — our frontliners. Through their sacrifices of time, energy, expertise, and even their own lives, they strive to keep our nation safe,” announced NHCP.
The lead agency also encourages people to display the Philippine Flag in homes, offices, and other buildings. On Independence Day itself, Filipinos are asked to take pictures while holding a flaglet and a sign that says, “Thank you, frontliners!”
“Through these simple acts, we can celebrate our freedom even while staying at home. As we have said before, this pandemic will not stop us Filipinos from celebrating our freedom, a freedom won and defended by our heroes past and present,” said the NHCP.
PHILIPPINE CELEBRATION SITES
The National Independence Day programs this year will be at the following sites:
- Rizal National Monument in Manila
- Liberty Shrine in Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City
- Rizal Park in Davao City
- Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite, the site of the proclamation of Philippine independence in 1898
- Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City, in honor of the Cry of Pugad Lawin which started the Philippine Revolution in 1896
- Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan City in a memorial to the initial attacks of the Katipunan in 1896
- Barasoain Church Historical Landmark in the City of Malolos in Bulacan where the First Philippine Republic was born in 1899
- Pamintuan Mansion, Angeles City which hosted the first anniversary celebration of Philippine Independence in 1899
In 2021, the Philippines is marking the Quincentennial Anniversary of the historic Lapu-Lapu Victory in the Battle at Mactan as part of the first circumnavigation of the world.
Filipino frontliners are also celebrated around the world for their dedication in service to people fighting the coronavirus disease.
TELL US in the comments below, how are you celebrating Philippine Independence Day 2020?
Want to know how to be a Proud Pinoy? Like, Follow, Subscribe to GoodNewsPilipinas.com, and our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Good News Pilipinas! TV on YouTube, for new story notifications, and e-mail newsletters for updates on more Filipino Pride stories.
