One hundred and eleven years ago, the birth of our nation was formally proclaimed with the historic declaration of independence from Spain in Kawit, Cavite.

It was the fulfillment of a three-century old dream of Filipinos to be the masters of their own destiny. It was the affirmation of our sense of nationhood as articulated by the Propaganda Movement and brought closer to the hearts of so many Filipinos by the writings of Dr. Jose Rizal.

That memorable event was the distinct achievement of the Filipino Revolution of 1898, the first of its kind in colonized Asia.

Let us never forget that when General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898, the revolutionary forces led by him were in effective control of strategic parts of the archipelago already. Indeed, Spain had lost the war. Only the formalities of capitulation had yet to be worked out.

However, the euphoria was short-lived. The United States was on an expansionist adventure in Asia. In spite of American military superiority, Aguinaldo’s revolutionary army continued to fight a new adversary in defense of the nation’s freedom and honor. The Filipino revolutionary forces fought the Americans, but they lost.

Still, the American colonial rule did not abort our beginning as a nation.

Our precious independence was in a state of suspended animation.

The next chapter in our history showed that Filipinos were exposed to the American philosophy and practice of governance, to the English language and American literature.

Democratic ideals, as embodied in a presidential system of government and the American legal tradition, were planted and nurtured on Philippine soil.

The first half of the last century was the setting for such a social, cultural and political transformation of Filipinos and the nation.

Finally, after four decades and six years, the United States lowered its Stars and Stripes and left the Philippine Flag to flutter alone freely in the air at the Luneta on July 4, 1946. No, it was not so much a grant of our own independence. Rather, it was a delayed recognition of the Kawit Proclamation of 1898.

Since that day of birth of our nation, it is now necessary to look back and recall how much ground has been covered since then.

Where are we now as a nation? Have the dreams of those who had fought and gave up their lives for our nationhood and freedom been fulfilled?

Has our independence been a real blessing to all? Has it been used to make democracy real and enduring?

Has it become an instrument to extend the reach of social justice? Has it strengthened the fabric of our being a nation?

Independence is a precious legacy. It is a challenge for all Filipinos today to strive to deserve it by rising above ourselves and working together in unity to create a better future.

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