MANILA –  The Philippines marke its 127th Independence Day on June 12th, commemorating the nation’s declaration of sovereignty from Spanish colonial rule in 1898. The celebration, known as Araw ng Kalayaan, is observed across the country with official ceremonies, a civil-military parade, and a first-of-its-kind job fair designed to empower Filipino youth.

National Ceremonies Reflect History and Unity

The official program begins at dawn with a flag-raising ceremony at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite—the site where General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed Philippine independence. In Rizal Park, Manila, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led a solemn parade attended by military leaders, government officials, and foreign dignitaries. A 21-gun salute and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument will honor the country’s heroes and fallen patriots.

Across the archipelago, schools and government offices remaine closed as Filipinos celebrate with civic programs, parades, and community festivities. Citizens are encouraged to display the national flag from May 28 to June 12, in accordance with national protocol.

Unprecedented Nationwide Job Fair for Youth

In a significant first, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) organized a national job fair coinciding with Independence Day, offering over 90,000 jobs across 49 venues nationwide. The event is tailored especially for youth and recent graduates, in line with the government’s 2025 theme: “The Year of the Youth in Philippine History.”

Opportunities range across key industries including business process outsourcing (BPO), hospitality, manufacturing, and microfinance.

Diaspora Celebrations Around the Globe

Overseas Filipino communities commemorate Independence Day with vibrant parades and cultural showcases:

• New York City hosted the largest diaspora celebration outside the Philippines on June 1, with over 200,000 attendees joining the annual parade on Madison Avenue, followed by a cultural performance featuring renowned Filipino artists.
• In Albany, New York, the “Filipino Resilience” parade drew large crowds, celebrating the Filipino spirit through music, food, and folk dance.
• Events are also scheduled throughout June in Carson (California), Fairfax (Virginia), Louisville (Kentucky), Christchurch (New Zealand), and other cities under the banner of “Kalayaan 2025”.
• On June 14, the U.S. will host the Kalayaan Night Market, featuring Filipino cuisine, crafts, and live entertainment.

A Celebration of Resilience and Identity

Independence Day remains one of the Philippines’ most meaningful national holidays, symbolizing not only the country’s freedom but also its continued struggle for equality, peace, and prosperity. This year’s celebrations reflect a conscious effort to connect tradition with modern challenges—from honoring the past to addressing employment and inclusion for the nation’s future. (zai)