When is the Independence Day of the Philippines?
June 12th marks the annual celebration of Philippine Independence Day, a proud moment in the nation’s history when Filipinos commemorate their hard-fought freedom from centuries of Spanish colonial rule. It’s a day of patriotic pride, reflection, and unity, observed both within the country and by Filipino communities around the globe.
Philippine Independence Day History
The history of Independence Day in the Philippines goes back to June 12, 1898, when revolutionary leader General Emilio Aguinaldo declared the country’s independence from Spanish rule. The declaration was made in Kawit, Cavite, and symbolised a pivotal turning point in the Philippine Revolution. Although independence was not immediately recognised by other powers, this act remains a defining moment of national identity.
The date of June 12 was officially declared Philippine Independence Day in 1962, replacing the previous July 4 observance, to honour the country’s original declaration of freedom.
The 126th Philippine Independence Day
The 126th Philippine Independence Day, celebrated on June 12, 2024, was a significant milestone — marking over a century since the nation first declared its sovereignty. It was commemorated across the Philippines and beyond with parades, flag-raising ceremonies, cultural festivals, and moments of reflection on national pride and heritage.
Filipinos everywhere proudly shared the message, “Happy Independence Day, Philippines!”, honouring the country’s heroes and celebrating the rich cultural roots that bind them together.
From Manila’s Rizal Park to community gatherings in New York, Dubai, London, and other cities, overseas Filipino communities joined in the festivities — waving flags, wearing traditional clothing, and hosting cultural performances and online events.
How do you send money to the Philippines?
Sending money with Paysend is easy, and there are many options to choose from. Whether you're supporting loved ones or sending a celebratory gift this Philippine Independence Day, Paysend offers flexible and reliable transfer options to suit every need:
Send to bank cards
Transfer funds directly to UnionPay, Visa, or Mastercard cards in the Philippines.
- Paysend fee: £1
- Delivered in PHP
- Same-day delivery in most cases
Send to bank accounts
Send money straight to any bank account in the Philippines — quickly and with no extra cost.
- Fee-free transfers
- Delivered in PHP
- Same-day transfers in most cases
Send to digital wallets
Deliver money directly to digital wallets used across the Philippines.
- Paysend fee: £1
- Delivered in PHP
- Fast, secure delivery
Send for cash pickup
Let your recipient collect cash in PHP from a wide network of pickup points across the country.
- Paysend fee: £1
- Delivered in PHP
- Available for same-day collectio
With Paysend, you choose how to send — and we’ll make sure it gets there safely and quickly.
Celebration of Independence Day in the Philippines
Each year, the celebration of Independence Day in the Philippines brings out a strong sense of patriotism. Schools, government offices, and civic groups organise events such as:
- Flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies
- Re-enactments of the 1898 declaration
- Folk dancing, music performances, and parades
- Exhibitions showcasing Filipino art, food, and heritage
It’s a time when history and culture converge – reminding all Filipinos of their shared identity, wherever they are in the world.
The history of Independence Day in the Philippines is a story of resilience, courage, and unity. As the country commemorates its 126th year of independence, Filipinos continue to honour the past while looking toward the future – proud of their heritage and determined to keep the spirit of freedom alive.
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Every October, the Philippines celebrates National Indigenous Peoples’ Month, a time to honor the country’s original storytellers, builders and guardians of the land.
Across islands and generations, more than 100 Indigenous communities continue to keep centuries-old traditions alive, from weaving and farming to music, rituals and storytelling. In the mountains of the Cordilleras and the forests of Mindanao, you’ll find practices that have endured for generations. The Ifugao still tend to their ancient rice terraces, the T’boli weave T’nalak from dreams, and the Manobo pass on songs that tell the stories of their ancestors.
But in a world moving faster than ever, these communities face a challenge: how to protect what’s sacred while embracing what’s new.
