On Saturday, the Board of Commissioners joined the Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia and community members to celebrate 127 years of Philippine independence and statehood.

“We are proud to stand with the local Filipino community to celebrate such a momentous anniversary,” Commissioner Jeffrey Nash said. “Saturday’s event will honor the struggle and triumph of the Filipino people and will celebrate their beautiful culture and rich history.”

Philippine Independence Day is celebrated on June 12 to commemorate the proclamation of independence made by the Philippine revolutionary government during the Spanish-American War. During a time of military successes against Spain, the revolutionary government proclaimed independence on June 12, 1898. The Spanish-American War was ended by the Treaty of Paris which established that Spain would give up the Philippines to the United States. The Philippine Republic was not created until July 4, 1946, but in 1962, President Diosdado Macapagal moved the official Independence Day back to June 12.

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