Unknown Citizens’ Day – January 12, 2025

History of Unknown Citizens’ Day

Nestled in Southeast Asia, in the western Pacific Ocean, is the island nation of the Philippines. It is home to over 7,000 islands and islets. The country takes its name from Philip II, the king of Spain at the time of colonization. The country remained under Spanish rule for over 300 years, followed by U.S. tutelage for nearly 50 years.

Political turmoil did not cease with its independence, however, as the end of the 20th century was especially marked by political struggle. The country and its people endured over a decade of dictatorship at the hands of Ferdinand Marcos. However, 1986 saw a public uprising against the regime, orchestrated by the People Power movement, that restored democracy to the republic.

The Philippines today continues to be a rather collectivist society, with a focus on community, culture, and family and how the individual relates to those. Unknown Citizens’ Day was established in 1936 via the Commonwealth Act No. 152 to honor the “rank and file” of Filipinos who have labored for the uplifting and progress of the country, fulfilling their duties as Filipino Citizens. These people are ordinary members of society, as opposed to leaders. They form the foundation of any organization. Their commitment to their duty, be it following traffic rules or respecting elders, ensures that Filipino society is functioning as it should. Unknown Citizens’ Day is a date marked to celebrate the everyday person.