Philippine flag-raising in Sydney

May 31, 2012 Filed under Community Posted by TFA Staff

Parramatta Town Hall, June 11, 2011 - Photo: Edd Aragon

Sydney-based city councils, community groups and members, and their friends are gearing up for the celebration next month of the 114th anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence.

Philippine flag-raising events and other Philippine Independence Day-related activities in Metro Sydney lined up in June are as follows:

* Parramatta City Council, Saturday June 9, 9.30am, Parramatta Town Hall, Church Street Mall, Parramatta

* Australian Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry / PCC-NSW and affiliate community organisations, June 9, 1:30pm – 4:30pm, Bowman Hall, Campbell Street, Blacktown

* Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations, Philippine Freedom Ball, June 9, 6.30pm, Grand Ballroom, Bankstown Sports Club

* Philippine Community Council of NSW, Philippine National Day Ball, June 12, 6.30pm, Grand Pavillion, Rosehill Gardens Event Centre, Grand Avenue / James Ruse Drive, Rosehill

* Blacktown City Council / Australia Philippines Services League, Saturday June 16, 11am, Bowman Hall, Campbell Street, Blacktown

* Campbelltown City Council / Campbelltown and Region Filipino Community Council, Saturday June 16, 10am, Campbelltown City Council grounds, Cnr Queen and Broughton Streets, Campbelltown

The annual Philippine flag raising ceremonies in Sydney, other NSW regions and Australian capital cities are conducted in commemoration of the declaration of Philippine independence from Spanish rule.

The date was recorded in Philippine history as being June 12, 1898 when the head of Philippine revolutionary government General Emilio Aguinaldo raised in Kawit, Cavite the Philippine flag for the first time.

The Aguinaldo-led act of severance from Spanish rule however was not recognised by both Spain and the United States, the latter being also a major player in occupying the Philippine islands.

The United States recognized Philippine independence only on July 4, 1946 in the Treaty of Manila. For 18 years, July 4 was observed in the Philippines as Independence Day simultaneously with the American Fourth of July celebration.

On August 4, 1964, under then President Diosdado Macapagal, Republic Act No. 4166 was enacted designating June 12 as the country’s Independence Day.