The Filipino Spirit
Evolution of the Flag and the National Anthem


1892 - 1897 Various flags were raised by the revolutionary leaders of the Katipunan.
1898 The first Philippine Flag was sewn in Hongkong by Mrs. Marcela Agoncillo, during Gen. Aguinaldo's exile.
May 25, 1898The Philippine Flag is first raised in victory at Alapan
Jun 11, 1898Maestro Julian Felipe played "Marcha Nacional Filipina" to revolutionary leaders, who adopted it as the National Anthem.
Jun 12, 1898The Philippine flag was raised during the Proclamation of Independence as the National Anthem was being played.
Sept 3, 1899La Independencia published what became the first lyrics of the National Anthem, the Spanish poem Filipinas.
Aug 23, 1907(Flag Law) US prohibited public display of Philippine flag
1907 - 1919The song Bayan Ko was conceived in protest against the prohibition of the display of the flag and singing of the Nation Anthem.
Oct 30, 1919The Flag Law was repealed.
1934 The Philippine Commonwealth finally adopted the English version of the National Anthem, The Philippine Hymn.
Oct 14, 1943Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and Gen. Artemio Ricarte raised the flag during Inauguration of "Second Philippine Republic"
Oct 23, 1944Gen Douglas McArthur returned to the Philippines and raised the Philippine flag side by side with the US flag.
Jul 4, 1946 US recognized Philippine Independence.
Pres. Manuel Roxas raised the Philippine flag in colorful rites at the Luneta.
Sep 30, 1949Pres. Elpidio Quirino, by proclamation Order No. 146, declared June 12 of every year as FlagDay
May 26, 1956The official Filipino version of the National Anthem, Lupang Hinirang, translated by Ildefonso Santos and Julian Cruz Balmaceda, was proclaimed.
1962 Pres. Diosdado Macapagal declared June 12 as Philippine Independence day

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