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MonAug 26

National Heroes Day of Philippines – August 26, 2024

The National Heroes of Philippines Day is celebrated on August 26. The day is celebrated by the Filipino people to honor and remember all the heroes of the revolution who helped to establish the foundation for the country’s independence. Freedom to choose one’s own country is one of the most important qualities that every country should have. The Philippines did not have that freedom or national identity. But thanks to the efforts of national heroes like Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, and Apolinario Mabini, they created a national identity and started working towards the dream of independence.

History of National Heroes Day of Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelagic nation situated in Southeast Asia. The island is surrounded by the western Pacific Ocean. The country was named after the Spanish King Philip II. The archipelago is a combination of around 7,640 islands grouped under three main divisions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. With a population of more than 109 million people, the Philippines is the thirteenth most populous country in the world. The country was under foreign rule from the 1500s.

The colonization officially began in 1565 with the arrival of Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi from Mexico. But the Spanish rule was not that thrilling to most people in the Philippines, and challenges to the rule started to arise. Andrés Bonifacio responded with the creation of a militant secret society called ‘Katipunan.’ The purpose of the society was to organize an armed revolt against Spain. Spanish rule answered with the execution of people like José Rizal and the exile of Aguinaldo and other leaders. The Spanish–American War began in 1898, and the Philippines gained independence from Spain. But their independence did not last long. The Americans occupied the islands by the very next year.

American rule was also challenged by armed revolt and guerilla attacks. The Americans finally enacted the Philippine Autonomy Act on August 29, 1916. The act, popularly known as the Jones Law, also has frameworks to create a fully elected and stable government to replace American rule in the Philippines and to help the island become a free nation. Finally, the country got independence in 1946.

National Heroes Day of Philippines timeline

1521
The Europeans Reach Philippines

The Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrives at the Philippines islands.

1892
The Creation of a Militant Secret Society

Andrés Bonifacio establishes the militant secret society, Katipunan, to organize an armed revolt against Spain.

1899
The Philippine–American War

The war breaks out between the U.S. and the Philippines since the U.S. did not recognize the Republic of the Philippines.

1946
The Independence of Philippines

The Philippines become independent from the U.S. through the Treaty of Manila.

National Heroes Day of Philippines FAQs

What is National Heroes of Philippines Day all about?

It is an annual celebration commemorating the unknown and valiant heroes who fought for the freedom and pride of the Philippines from Spain, the U.S., and Japan.

Why do we celebrate National Heroes Day in the Philippines?

The day is celebrated to honor those who helped lay the foundation of Philippine national identity and freedom.

Who was the Filipino leader for independence?

Emilio Aguinaldo is the main hero behind the independence struggle of the Philipines.

How to Observe National Heroes Day of Philippines

  1. Organize a remembrance day

    The Philippines was a country ruled by multiple colonial powers for over a century. They have a long list of freedom fighters who have sacrificed for the nation. Use this day to host a remembrance day in your locality to commemorate their braveness, valor, and sacrifice.

  2. Create posters about Philippine freedom fighters

    List all the freedom fighters and nationalists who stood for the freedom of the Philippines. Create an extensive list and publish it on social media as a poster.

  3. Host a freedom struggle-themed party

    Host a party with your friends. You can choose the freedom struggle of the Philippines as the theme for your party.

5 Amazing Facts About The Philippines

  1. It is an English-speaking nation

    The Philippines is the fifth largest English-speaking country in the world, with more than 52 million speakers.

  2. It has the longest navigable underground river

    The Puerta Princesa Subterranean River National Park has the longest navigable underground river in the world.

  3. The first basketball league in Asia

    The Philippine Basketball Association was formed in 1975, and it was the first basketball league in Asia.

  4. It has a large Catholic population

    The Philippines has the third-largest Catholic population in the world.

  5. The devastating volcanic eruption of 1991

    The Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991 was the biggest volcanic eruption in the world over the past 50 years.

Why National Heroes Day of Philippines is Important

  1. We love freedom

    Freedom is one of the most important aspects of modern life. We love this day as it honors the heroes who selflessly fought for the freedom of a nation.

  2. A day to appreciate the heroes

    Every nation has its own historical struggles and its own legends. It is great to have a day to honor them.

  3. A historical day

    National Heroes of Philippines Day is a day of historical significance. It makes it easy for the next generation to appreciate the greatness of our national heroes.

National Heroes Day of Philippines dates

YearDateDay
2022August 29Monday
2023August 28Monday
2024August 26Monday
2025August 25Monday
2026August 31Monday

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