The Struggle for Philippine Independence
The Philippines has a rich cultural history which dates back to about one thousand years BC. Chinese, Indian, Malayan, Siamese and Arabian cultures became part of its heritage as immigrants moved to populate the richly trading islands. Written accounts in Chinese about the Mayit (the Chinese historians’ name for the Philippine Islands) from the 13th and 14th centuries wrote about Philippine products such as gold, pearls, betel nut, edible bird’s nests, cotton, hemp and yellow wax which were traded for silk, beads, umbrellas, porcelainware, bronze gongs and lead sinkers for fishnets.
Because they had organized societies, the Philippine islanders had leaders who formally made treaties with the first Spaniards who visited the islands in 1521. Sacred covenants of friendship between the Filipinos and the Spaniards were made. Unfortunately, the Spaniards did not keep their promise of friendship. The foreigners’ rowdy conduct and the rape of Cebuano women led to a bloody war. The angry islanders, led by Humabon, Lapu-Lapu and other chieftains, forced the foreigners to a hasty retreat.
Unfortunately, Spain was a world superpower which the Filipinos could not keep out forever. Attracted by gold and spices, Spain eventually conquered and colonized the Philippines. However, the loss of sovereignty did not vanish the Filipino love of liberty and freedom. Through the centuries, men and women, like Diego Silang and his wife Gabriela, organized revolts which fanned the flame of freedom and independence.
The Filipinos were not allowed to govern themselves in their own land. They were not allowed to learn the Spanish language lest they understand the rules of government. They were forcibly divided and conquered by fostering hatred among the regions. Filipino soldiers from Cavite were used to quell rebellion in Batangas and those from Batangas were used to quell rebellion in Ilocos. Yet the desire of Filipinos for national unity did not vanish despite great odds.
Two public executions, in 1872 of three Filipino priests and in 1896 of an innocent and peace-loving medical doctor, shattered any hope of reform and justice under a colonial government. The intense desire for freedom united the Filipinos together. Peasants, writers, artists, politicians, teachers and church leaders set aside their differences and joined the struggle for independence.
Finally, on June 12, 1898, in conclusion of a 300 year war of attrition and underground rebellion, the Philippine flag was raised and The First Philippine Republic was proclaimed. Sovereign at last. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
Written by Ray Colorado for Philippine Republic Day, June 12 1993