The 125th Year of Liberation

 

By Claire Fabul Tolentino

Photo by Laidel Hizola

What does it feel like to finally achieve the freedom you deserve? The freedom that was inherently yours but was forcefully taken away. They confined, exploited, and stripped you of everything, leaving you shattered. But despite their attempts to break your spirit, you rose above the ashes, reclaiming your independence and embracing the liberty that rightfully belongs to you. This journey was marked by hardships, reminiscent of the events experienced by the Philippines when a foreign country invaded our land a few decades ago. 

It all started when the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his fleet set foot on Cebu, trying to establish trade relations and spread Christianity. He tried to assert dominance, showing his authority, and war broke down; this was later known as the battle of Mactan, where he fought the local chieftain, Lapu-Lapu. Even tho he had lost the battle, Spain still wanted to obtain the nation's power in their accordance. Later, new expeditions were set to sail, led by Miguel López de Legazpi, aiming to build their presence and colonies in the country.

Using the facade of searching for new resources, Spain successfully got hold of our nation's leadership — the start of their long reign. For 333 years, they colonized, exploited, and oppressed our ancestors. But no greed will last forever. Heroes emerged and awakened the heart of Filipinos to fight back against the cruelty. The spirit of resistance was led by famous people and organizations such as Andres Bonifacio, Jose Rizal, the K.K.K. ( Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan) and many more. Finally, after the long battle, on June 12, 1898, the Philippines first waved our national flag, representing the nation's dreams and hopes. This significant event happened in Kawit, Cavite, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, the first-ever president of the Philippines, marking the end of the war for long-sought freedom.

To pay tribute to their act of heroism, every 12th of June, the Philippines celebrates its Independence Day. This significant day holds deep meaning for Filipinos, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our national heroes and the ongoing pursuit of freedom that shapes our nation's identity and independence. Like liberated birds, we are now free from the constraints of captivity. We can soar effortlessly, embracing the boundless skies above us.

Fight for our rights, fight for our country — may this day remind our fellow countrymen to always love and cherish the soil we all came from.