Gen Zs on Independence Day: Are we really free?

INDEPENDENCE DAY is very important to the Filipino people since it serves as a poignant reminder of the country’s long struggle for freedom and self-government that we now enjoy. 

Every June 12th, it commemorates the day in 1898 when the country declared independence from Spanish colonial rule following years of tyranny. 

One of the key reasons why Independence Day is celebrated in the Philippines is to reflect the Filipino people’s undying spirit and their never-ending quest for sovereignty. 

The nation eventually broke free from colonialism thanks to the combined efforts of courageous revolutionaries such as Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo, as well as the sacrifices of many unnamed heroes.

However, despite having celebrated Independence Day for several years, the question remains. Do Filipinos really feel free today? Or are we still bound by various intricate and varied issues?

What is freedom for Gen Zs?

When it comes to celebrating the nation’s independence day, freedom can be defined in a variety of ways. That is why republicasia questioned various Generation Zs on what freedom means to them and how they define it. 

Ian Capati, 23, believes that freedom is the ability to completely express one’s thoughts. This Gen Z defines freedom as the ability to fully enable oneself to achieve life’s goals.

“For me, freedom is the ability to speak one’s mind without inhibition or fear of judgment or punishment by the authorities. This includes the freedom to pursue our passions, make choices toward our desired future, and have a voice in societal matters,” he said.

For 21-year-old Kaitlin Kibtiani, freedom is multifaceted. “As a Gen Z, freedom for me means to be able to freely express myself in my own terms without the fear of being judged, may it be through clothing, speech, or ideas,” she said.

Photo Courtesy: Kaitlin Kibtiani

“It means being able to inform myself through different forms of education and use this knowledge to engage in healthy discussions where I can freely listen and speak with other members of the community.”

“Most importantly, freedom for me is being able to do things that I love without having people tell me that I can’t,” she went on to explain.

Eser Lañada aligns with her fellow Gen Zs. For her, freedom is having the ability to do whatever she wants in life without being bound by anyone’s comments. 

“For me, freedom means a person has the right to make decision without any external forces that could dictate them on what to do or not to do,” the 23-year-old said.

As evidenced by their responses, independence for this generation entails more than just being free of colonization; it also includes overcoming the challenges that our current generation faces. 

Freedom has many facets and can be defined differently depending on one’s life experience.

Do Gen Zs really feel free?

The Philippines has achieved great progress since winning independence more than a century ago. The country has built democratic institutions, written a constitution, and held regular elections, indicating its commitment to self-government. 

Economic growth and progress have also occurred, bringing millions out of poverty and creating new opportunities for many. Nonetheless, issues remain that put into doubt the scope of the nation’s freedom. 

Economic inequality is a critical issue, with a sizable percentage of the population living in poverty and a wealthy few wielding disproportionate wealth and influence.

Photo Courtesy: Ian Capati 

“Celebrating Independence Day is bittersweet. On one hand, we take pride in the sacrifices our forefathers made for our country’s independence. On the other hand, current challenges remind us of the limitations of our freedom,” said Capati.

“Economic inequality, political corruption, and social injustice highlight the ongoing struggle for absolute freedom. While we live in a time of many liberties, we also realize that the journey toward total freedom and equality for every Filipino is still far from over.”

This economic disparity often limits access to education, healthcare, and other essential services, perpetuating cycles of poverty and hindering social mobility.

“To be honest, the first thought that came to my mind is “Yes” but as I remember all the headline of our news in the previous weeks, I believe we are technically “free” but there are certain factors that hinders me to truly feel the freedom in this independence day,” Lañada said.

Photo Courtesy: Eser Lañada

On the other hand, if we are to base it on how they’ve defined the word freedom, Kibtiani believes that Gen Zs like her somehow feels that they are free.

“In a simple sense, yes. Everything that I have expressed in the first question, I can freely do. With how our society has progressed through the years, people have been more open to different kinds of perspectives and ideas,” she said.

“People have been more accepting with the fact that each individual has their own opinion and view on a matter and that we don’t always have to fight over these.”

“Although I do believe that we can do more, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community and other diverse communities in our society,” Kibtiani added.

True, the definition of freedom is subjective. However, there are some factors that we cannot ignore in order to completely exercise the freedom that we all desire.

A message to you, our patriotic heroes!

In celebration of the country’s Independence Day, we cannot forget the people who offered their lives for the freedom or independence that we are currently enjoying.

“Thank you for fighting for the rights and welfare of our country. We would not be able to do what we freely do on a daily basis if it weren’t for your patriotism. Your legacy will continue to inspire the youth of today as we face modern problems that challenges us to be patriotic to our own country,” Kibtiani said.

“To our heroes who fought for our independence, thank you for your selfless sacrifices. You gave us the strength to stand and laid the foundation upon which we build our aspirations and dreams,” Capati said.

“We draw inspiration from your legacy to strive for a better Philippines, where every Filipino can enjoy genuine freedom and equal opportunities. We honor you by upholding the values you lived and died for, ensuring that the society we build is just and progressive.”

In essence, the Philippine Independence Day celebration is more than just a historical event; it is a reaffirmation of the country’s identity, beliefs, and goals. It is a moment to remember the past, enjoy the present, and imagine a future full of hope, progress, and prosperity for all Filipinos.