PHILIPPINE   CENTENNIAL
CELEBRATION

On the afternoon of June 12, 1898 at Kawit, Cavite, Emilio Aguinaldo¹, first Philippine president, publicly proclaimed the independence of the Philippines from Spain. The Philippine flag, designed by Aguinaldo and sewed in Hongkong by Mrs. Marcela Agoncillo with the help of Delfina Herbosa and Lorenza Agoncillo, was officially hoisted for the first time to the accompaniment of the "Marcha Filipina Magdalo"². The Act of the Declaration of Independence was prepared and read by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista. The Declaration of Independence was signed by ninety-eight people, including an American army officer by the name of Col. L. M. Johnson.

Today, Filipinos celebrate June 12, an official holiday, as Independence Day.