Filipinos mark 126th Independence Day with ‘Parada ng Kalayaan 2024’

FILIPINOS proudly waved the Philippine flag on Wednesday, June 12, to commemorate the 126th anniversary of Philippine Independence.

Former president Emilio Aguinaldo first proclaimed Philippine Independence from Spanish colonial rule on June 12, 1898, from the window of his home in Kawit, Cavite. 

Today, June 12 has become a regular holiday to commemorate the historic event and honor Filipino heroes who paved the way for the country’s independence.

This year, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) spearheaded the celebration of the 126th Philippine Independence, with the theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.”

The national government agency, which promotes Philippine history, prepared various activities for the national holiday, and among those was the “Parada ng Kalayaan” at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. 

The event was attended by thousands of Filipinos from all walks of life–from students, workers, and uniformed personnel, to government officials. 

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos–along with their sons Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander, Joseph Simon, and William Vincent–graced the occasion.

Also present at the event were Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo, and Miss Supranational Philippines 2025 Justine Tarah Marie Valencia.

Here’s what went down during the float parade:

22 floats

The “Parada ng Kalayaan” featured 22 floats from different provinces and government organizations, 11 of which told the story of the country’s struggle for liberty.

The parade began at the Quirino Grandstand, with the Cry of Candon float from Ilocos Sur being the first to march down the street. The Cry of Candon is considered one of the earliest uprisings during the second phase of the Philippine Revolution, where Ilocano Katipuneros battled with the Spanish forces in the town of Candon.

This was followed by floats showcasing the Tres de Abril Revolution (Cebu City), the Battle of Alapan (Cavite), the establishment of the Comite Central Filipino (Negros Occidental), Cinco de Noviembre and the Negros Republic (Negros Occidental), the Cry of Santa Barbara and Federal State of the Visayas (Iloilo), the first flag raising in Mindanao (Surigao City), the Siege of Fort Pilar, Zamboanga (Zamboanga City), the lowering of the Spanish flag in Jolo, Sulu (Sulu), the Siege of Baler (Aurora), and the establishment of the Malolos Congress and the first Philippine Republic (Malolos, Bulacan).

The audience was immersed not only in the beauty of the parade but also in the historical events behind each decorative and colorful float. 

Their stories were told by several young individuals, clad in traditional clothing, who demonstrated how Filipino revolutionaries fought with the Spaniards until they attained their freedom.

The attendees could also hear a voiceover detailing these “eleven sparks of freedom.”

The second part of the parade featured how the first agencies and departments of the Philippine government were established after the Filipinos obtained their independence.

“The origins of the present-day Philippine government” segment first showcased the float of the Department of War and the Navy, established in 1939 under the Department of National Defense (DND).

It was followed by the floats highlighting the Department of Public Instruction, the Department of Public Works and Communications, the Department of Agriculture, Industry, and Commerce, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Finance, the Department of Foreign Relations, the Supreme Court, the National Assembly, and the Office of the President.

The Department of Foreign Relations was one of the first agencies established under the first Philippine Republic, with Apolinario Mabini, the “Brains of the Revolution,” being its first secretary.

The “Parada ng Kalayaan” parade ended with the Inang Bayan float, designed by artist Diego Imao. The float represented Inang Bayan and her three children: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Continued fight for liberty

In his speech during the “Parada ng Kalayaan,” Marcos paid tribute to Filipino heroes who sacrificed their lives to attain the freedom and independence that today’s generation is experiencing. 

“Ang kalayaang ito ay hindi nakamit nang walang katumbas na kabayaran. Ang luha, dugo, at pawis na inialay ng ating mga ninuno sa dambana ng demokrasya at pagkakapantay-pantay. Sa kanila, sa ating mga ninuno [at] mga bayani, inihahandog natin ang araw na ito,” said the president.

Marcos emphasized how Filipinos’ forefathers did not give up for the country despite their struggles. He also narrated how the death of three martyred priests Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos and Jacinto Zamora–collectively known as GomBurZa–sparked the Philippine revolution against Spanish rule. 

Through the event, Marcos said he wanted to impart to Filipinos, particularly the young generation, the sacrifices made for the freedom and independence they enjoy.

“Sinisimbolo ng okasyon natin ngayon, ang Parada ng Kalayaan na masasaksihan natin maya-maya, ang ating pagsisikap na maisabuhay sa puso ng bagong Pilipino na narito ngayon, ang tunay na diwa ng kabayanihan, kalayaan, at pag-asa,” the chief executive said.

He stressed that the event was not only to commemorate Philippine history but also served as a call for everyone to continue fighting for freedom and independence.

“Ang ating mga ninuno ay hindi umurong sa digmaan, kaya’t tayo ay hindi rin tatalikod sa tungkuling ipagtanggol ang ating nasasakupan,” Marcos highlighted. 

He then urged the Filipino people to remain firm despite the challenges that come their way.

“Ipakita natin sa buong daigdig na ang tunay na kapangyarihan ay hindi nasusukat sa lakas o sa yaman, kung hindi sa tunay na kahulugan at katuwiran ng ating ipinaglalaban, sa alab ng pag-ibig sa bayan, at sa ‘di matatawarang pagkakaisa ng ating mga mamamayan,” Marcos added.

Other activities

Aside from the parade, there were several other activities that the NHCP prepared for Independence Day at Burnham Green across the Quirino Grandstand.

Among them was the “Kalayaan Obstacle Course,” a competition that tested the strength and agility of professional, amateur, and young individuals.

The “Love Lokal Tiangge” also highlighted local products made by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), such as bayong bags, bracelets, necklaces, and other accessories. 

One of the event’s highlights was the “Musikalayaan,” where local bands, singers, and musicians performed on stage for free. 

The crowd went wild when the nation’s girl group BINI–composed of Jhoanna, Maloi, Stacey, Gwen, Mikha, Aiah, Colet, and Sheena–went up on stage to perform their hit songs “Lagi,” “Karera,” and “Huwag Muna Tayong Umuwi.”

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