the road to Philippine independence was long and difficult. But through the courage of reformists, revolutionaries, and leaders who fought for freedom, the Filipino nation finally achieved sovereignty. Our independence is a reminder of our people’s resilience, unity, and unending hope for a better future.

1. Philippine
Independ
ence
on June 12,
1898
The Road to
Discussant:
Kristine Polo -
Moral
MaEd History

2. The struggle for Philippine
Independence was a long
process marked by revolts,
reform movements, and a
revolution.
For more than 300 years, the
Philippines endured Spanish
colonial rule. Despite many
failed uprisings, the desire for
freedom never disappeared.

3. Spanish Colonization (1565–
1898) The Philippines came under Spanish rule in 1565 when
Miguel López de Legazpi established the first permanent
settlement in Cebu.
Filipinos endured social injustice, forced labor (polo y
servicio), and heavy taxation.
During Spanish colonization, Filipinos faced inequality,
oppression, and economic hardship. Social injustice
limited their rights, polo y servicio took away their time
and freedom, and heavy taxes left them in poverty. These
abuses fueled anger and resentment — and eventually
inspired Filipinos to fight for reform, justice, and
independence.

4. Rise of Filipino Nationalism
Intellectuals like José Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, and
Graciano López Jaena led the Propaganda
Movement, using writings such as La Solidaridad to
call for reforms, equal rights, and representation in
the Spanish Cortes.
Although they sought reform rather than full
independence, their works awakened national
consciousness.

5. Dr. José Rizal is considered the most
outstanding figure of the
Propaganda Movement. He used
his writings to expose the injustices
and abuses of the Spanish
government and friars in the
Philippines.
Through his writings, Rizal
awakened national pride and
inspired Filipinos to stand up
against injustice.
• “Noli Me Tangere” (Touch Me
Not)
• “El Filibusterismo” (The Reign of
Greed)
• “Letter to the Young Women of
Malolos”

6. Marcelo H. del Pilar, also known by his pen
name Plaridel, was a lawyer, journalist, and
reformist.
He was known for his powerful writings
against the abuses of Spanish friars and
became the editor of La Solidaridad — the
main newspaper of the Propaganda
Movement published in Spain.
Del Pilar’s writings reached both Filipinos
and Spaniards, opening the eyes of many to
the unfair conditions in the Philippines.

7. Graciano López Jaena was a journalist and
orator from Iloilo.
He was the founder and first editor of La
Solidaridad in 1889.
He used his talent in writing and speaking
to expose the injustices committed by the
Spanish friars and to call for reforms in the
government.

8. La Solidaridad was the official publication
of the Propaganda Movement.
The articles discussed topics such as:
• Equal rights for Filipinos and Spaniards
• Representation of the Philippines in
the Spanish Cortes
• Freedom of speech and the press
• Abolition of racial discrimination
• Expulsion of corrupt friars from
political power
Through La Solidaridad, the Ilustrados
united their voices to peacefully demand
justice and reform.
The Role of La
Solidaridad

9. When the Propaganda Movement failed to achieve the reforms Filipinos
had hoped for, many realized that peaceful means would not be enough
to gain freedom. The Spanish government ignored their petitions, and
abuses continued. This frustration led to the birth of a more radical and
revolutionary movement.
The Katipunan and the Revolution (1896–
1898)
The Founding of the
Katipunan
The Start of the Revolution
(1896)
Internal Conflicts and Bonifacio’s Death
Emilio Aguinaldo’s Leadership and Victories

10. On June 12, 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed Philippine
independence in Kawit, Cavite. The Philippine flag was raised, and
Lupang Hinirang was played for the first time. This event marked the
birth of the First Philippine Republic, symbolizing the Filipinos’
determination to rule themselves. It was the first democratic republic
in Asia.
Declaration of Independence (June 12,
1898)

11. However, independence was short-lived. After Spain’s defeat in the
Spanish-American War, the Treaty of Paris (1898) transferred the
Philippines to the United States for $20 million. The Philippine-
American War (1899–1902) followed, as Filipinos resisted another
foreign power.
The U.S. eventually established control, introducing public education,
a civil government, and gradual political participation. Though these
changes modernized the country, Filipinos continued to seek full
sovereignty.
American Occupation (1898–1946)

12. The Tydings–McDuffie Act of 1934 established the Commonwealth of
the Philippines, a transitional government led by President Manuel L.
Quezon. It prepared the country for full independence after ten
years. However, World War II and the Japanese occupation (1942–
1945) delayed this plan. Filipino and American forces, including
guerrilla fighters, resisted Japanese control until liberation in 1945.
The Commonwealth and World War II (1935–
1945)
On July 4, 1946, the United States officially recognized the Republic of
the Philippines as a free and independent nation. This fulfilled
America’s promise of self-governance. Later, in 1962, President
Diosdado Macapagal changed the official Independence Day to June
12, honoring the day Filipinos first declared freedom under their own
leadership.
Independence Restored (July 4, 1946)

13. The road to Philippine
independence was long and filled
with trials, but it also showcased the
bravery, unity, and resilience of the
Filipino people.
From Spanish colonization to the
revolution, and through the
challenges of American and Japanese
occupations, Filipinos proved their
unwavering determination for self-
rule.
Independence is not only a historic
event but a continuing reminder of
the nation’s hard-fought freedom.

14. Why is June 12
celebrated as
Independence Day
instead of July 4?