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On Saturday, the Board of Commissioners joined the Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia and community members to celebrate 126 years of Philippine independence and statehood.
“In keeping with the core values of America, we use this day to recognize the 126-year anniversary of when the Philippine revolutionary government proclaimed its freedom,” Commissioner Jeffrey Nash said. “It is important that the Filipino community in Camden County stay in touch with their culture and celebrate their customs, and Philippine Independence Day gives the opportunity to do just that.”
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.