I WOULD like to discuss the upcoming Philippine Independence date of June 12. It has been said that this is the 104th year of Philippine Independence. I would just like to point out the fact that history contradicts both of these facts. On June 12, 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo did declare an independent Philippine state, unfortunately, neither Spain nor the United States chose to acknowledge this.
Under the Treaty of Paris, the Philippines were sold to the U.S. for $20 million. Aguinaldo then led a uprising against the U.S. that ultimately failed. The Philippines then experienced nearly 50 years of U.S. rule, during which time the Philippines absorbed in American influences that are present to this day. The point I would like to make is that the collective overlooking of the American period of Philippine history will ultimately reduce the qualify of Filipinos knowledge and understanding of their own historical heritage. We are intertwined not only by the valor of World War II, but by a past, direct linkage that, for good or bad, the Filipinos were exposed to American culture long before it was internationally vogue.
The most glaring cultural link is a common language, (albeit a second one for Filipinos). As a result of American rule, the Philippines are one of the most English literate countries in Asia. It was not MacArthur and his troops that introduced English—it was the many young and idealistic American teachers who fanned out into the archipelago early in the U.S. colonial period. If the Philippines have truly been independent for 104 years, there would have been little reason for the Filipinos to learn English, much like the Latin American countries of today.
The modern city of Baguio, the framework of the Philippine national legislature, and place names such as Camp John Hay and Burnham Park are reminders of the Philippine’s American past. It will be a historically poorer Filipino indeed, if the true origins of the names that surround him, or the government he elects are forgotten.
The U.S. and Philippine relationship did not begin with MacArthur, rather he was at the end of one stage of it. On July 4, 1946, the United States fulfilled its promise under the 1934 Tydings-McDuffie Act by granting the Philippines independence. The July 4th date stood for years until it was changed by President Macapagal. It has been said that the U.S. independence date is also not accurate, as the United States was not truly independent on July 4th, 1776, with years of fighting left after that date.
The difference here is that the American independence movement was successful, while Aguinaldo’s independence struggle following the initial June 12th proclamation was not. As a sovereign nation, the Philippines may ultimately celebrate its birthday whenever it wishes to, and though the age of the country may be debated, there is no debate that justice was served in 1946.KEVIN A. KELLY
Dandan, Saipan
