The National Heroes of Philippines Day is celebrated on August 25. 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
The Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrives at the Philippines islands.
Andrés Bonifacio establishes the militant secret society, Katipunan, to organize an armed revolt against Spain.
The war breaks out between the U.S. and the Philippines since the U.S. did not recognize the Republic of the 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
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.
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.
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
It is an English-speaking nation
The Philippines is the fifth largest English-speaking country in the world, with more than 52 million speakers.
It has the longest navigable underground river
The Puerta Princesa Subterranean River National Park has the longest navigable underground river in the world.
The first basketball league in Asia
The Philippine Basketball Association was formed in 1975, and it was the first basketball league in Asia.
It has a large Catholic population
The Philippines has the third-largest Catholic population in the world.
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
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.
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.
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
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | August 29 | Monday |
| 2023 | August 28 | Monday |
| 2024 | August 26 | Monday |
| 2025 | August 25 | Monday |
| 2026 | August 31 | Monday |
Log In With Google