National Symbols

Symbols can represent many things and sovereignty, nationalism and national identity are no exception. The most common symbols of sovereignty and nationhood are a national flag and anthem but there many others, such as a pledge of allegiance.

National Animal: Carabao (Water Buffalo)
National Anthem: Lupang Hinirang
National Bird: Philippine Eagle
National Costume : Barong Tagalog (for men) / Baro't Saya (for women)
National Dance: Tinikling (Bamboo Dance)
National Dish: Lechon (roasted pig)
National Fish: Bangus (Milkfish)
National Flag: Philippine National Flag
National Flower: Sampaguita (Jasminum Sambac)
National Fruit: Mango
National Hero: Jose P. Rizal
National House: Nipa Hut
National Leaf: Anahaw
National Motto: Maka-Diyos, Maka-Tao, Makakalikasan, at Makabansa (For the Love of God, People, Nature and Country)
National Pledges: Patriotic Pledge and Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag
National Sport/Game: Sipa
National Tree: Narra

Commemorative and Religious Holidays

Below listed are the regular and special commemorative and religious national holidays in the Philippines. If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it may be moved to the previous Friday or following Monday to create a 3-day weekend. Also, special non-working holidays can also be declared by the President.

January 1: New Year's Day
February 25: People Power / EDSA Day
April 9: Day of Valour / Bataan Day
(Easter): Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday
May 1: Labour Day
June 12: Independence Day
August 21: Ninoy Aquino Day
Last Sunday of August: National Heroes Day
November 1: All Saints Day
November 30: Bonifacio Day
December 25: Christmas Day
December 30: Rizal Day
December 31: New Year's Eve

Independence Day

Independence was proclaimed from Spain by General Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898. However, this independence was short lived as the Philippines became US territory. US rule in the Philippines was interrupted by the Japanese invasion and occupation in World War II. Independence was granted by Japan on October 14, 1943, resulting in the Second Republic but this Republic had virtually no power and was nothing more than a puppet government with the Japanese military pulling the strings. Independence from Japan was nominal and this "Independence Day" is not celebrated, recognised or acknowledged as after the war, the Second Republic was generally deemed illegal and all laws created under this Republic were dismissed.

Independence was granted to the Philippines from the US on July 4, 1946, and for many years later, this was celebrated as the official independence day of the Philippines. However, July 4 was not particularly widely celebrated in the Philippines and any celebrations were dwarfed by the US Independence Day celebrations. In 1962, President Diosdado Macapagal changed Independence Day from July 4 to June 12. July 4 became American Friendship Day or Republic Day. There was an enormous turn out for the June 12 Independence Day celebrations of 1962 and General Emilio Aguinaldo was the guest of honour. June 12 became the official Independence Day through Republic Act No. 4166 dated August 4, 1964.