The Philippines marked its 127th Independence Day with a celebration on June 12, 2025, in Kawit, Cavite—the birthplace of Philippine independence.
Relive how the GoodNewsPilipinas team covered the patriotic energy at the 126th Independence Day celebration in Kawit in this special report from last year: Philippines Marks 126th Independence Day at Historic Aguinaldo Shrine
With the theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan,” the festivities began with Parada para sa Kalayaan, a socio-civic parade featuring members of local government units (LGUs), community organizations, local institutions, and marching bands. The parade started at the Magdalo-Potol Fire Station and concluded at the historic Aguinaldo Shrine.
The national program, organized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), followed the early morning parade with a wreath-laying ceremony at the tomb of General Emilio Aguinaldo. Leading the ceremony was the Guest of Honor, Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, and it was witnessed by local officials from Kawit and Cavite, NHCP representatives, and members of the Philippine Navy Marines.
Discover the powerful role of the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit as the birthplace of Philippine freedom in this story that brings history to life: Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit: Unfolding Philippine History
At 7 AM, the national program commenced at the balcony of the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine, also led by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, in unison with simultaneous flag-raising ceremonies held nationwide.
This was followed by the pledge to the Philippine flag led by Kawit Vice Mayor Edward Samala, Jr. Immediately after, Cavite 1st District Representative Ramon “Jolo” Revilla III read an excerpt from the 1898 Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
In his speech as Guest of Honor, Chief Justice Gesmundo encouraged everyone to use freedom as a tool for progress.
In his speech as Guest of Honor, Chief Justice Gesmundo encouraged everyone to use freedom as a tool for progress.
“Ang ating kalayaan ay hindi likhang sining na itinatanghal sa museo para sulyapan natin paminsan-minsan. Dapat ito ay patuloy nating ginagamit upang mapaunlad ang ating lipunan (Our freedom is not a work of art displayed in a museum for us to glance at once in a while. It is something we must continually use to improve our society),” he stated.
He also emphasized that change is not only achieved through conflict but can be won through everyday efforts and peaceful means.
“Hindi lamang sa larangan ng digmaan makakamit ang ninanais nating pagbabago. Ito’y nakakamit na rin sa mga hukuman, paaralan, at kung saan pa man kung talagang gugustuhin natin (Change is not achieved solely on the battlefield. It can also be won in courts, schools, and wherever we choose to pursue it with determination),” he said.
Moreover, the Chief Justice reminded all Filipinos that freedom is not a prize but a shared responsibility.
“Ang kalayaan ay hindi gantimpalang ibinibigay dahil natapos na ang ating pagsusumikap. Ito ay isang layuning araw-araw nating pinagtitibay (Freedom is not a reward given after our efforts have ended. It is a goal we must strengthen every single day).”
Following the morning program, the celebration extended to Freedom Park in front of the Aguinaldo Shrine, where visitors participated in a job and food fair organized for the public.
Read more Good Balita about how Kawit is preserving Filipino heritage in celebrations like the Grand Magdalenean Procession and 400 Years of Evangelization.
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