While fanfare seems to be lacking in the celebration of the country’s 120th anniversary of independence from Spanish rule, it is the utter simplicity of it that should draw our attention to what truly matters.

After 120 years, is the Philippines as truly independent as we declare it to be?

Though free LRT and MRT rides are given to the public today, many Filipinos celebrating the 120th Independence Day of the Philippines believe there are no free rides when it comes to independence.As the nation celebrates the anniversary, Filipinos are confronted by the brewing question of true independence in light of global changes.

In his first year in office, President Duterte in fact “stunned the world with his push for a truly ‘independent’ foreign policy, steering the country closer towards China and Russia, and distancing from Manila’s traditional ally—the United States,” a June 2017 ABS-CBN report said.

“In September 2016, Duterte announced that the Philippines would pursue an independent foreign policy. His announcement would later be followed by a statement of ‘separation’ from the United States, and also rejection of aid from the European Union,” the report added.

In the same report, Herman Kraft, associate professor at the University of the Philippines Political Science Department, said the move to “diversify” can be beneficial. “Being good friends with all states, especially powerful states, is always a good thing,” he is quoted in the report.

Perhaps we can all take the President’s optimistic stance to heart and remember that keeping the peace does not always mean surrender.

With today’s celebration also comes the prospect of a unifying national brand that would help uplift the image of the Philippines in the world.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar told Daily Tribune the proposed national brand, however, is “still being studied” and will push through “as soon as we get the nod of all departments”.

In April, the PCOO announced that the national brand campaign will use “The Philippines: Rising” while the logo will feature the Philippine sun with eight rays.

“The Philippine sun is symbol of Filipinos’ resilience. Along as the sun rises in the east, it will rise with renewed strength,”

PCOO Assistant Secretary Ramon Cualoping, in a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report, said.

Cualoping also announced the PH national brand was being set for a launch today, Independence Day. The concept, a brainchild of Andanar’s, had been approved by President Rodrigo R. Duterte during the 23rd Cabinet meeting last March 5.

Cualoping explained that the national brand will be “all-encompassing,” covering not only the promotion of the Philippines as a tourist destination, but also as an education, culture and investment hub. A “common ground” must be sought to tie all these together.

He also clarified that it was not meant to supersede the Department of Tourism’s slogan “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”

“The strategy is for the brand to tell the world of the many good stories of the Philippines today, of the strong and compassionate Filipinos,” he said in the same report.

“The Philippine brand will be all inclusive that involves all sectors of the Philippine society,” Cualoping added.

As part of the commemoration of the 120th anniversary of Philippine Independence, passengers of the national railway system will have free rides today during the rush hours (from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.)., Light Rail Transit management announced Sunday.

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) is also issuing new stamps to commemorate the 120th Independence Day celebration today.

Designed by graphic artist Rodine Teodoro, the stamp features the vibrant color of blue and red depicting a silhouette scene of men and women in the Philippine revolution proudly waving the Filipino flag and native bolos used to fight colonial forces.

Imprinted in the stamp are the word “Kalayaan” and the sun that shines, which symbolizes freedom gained through sacrifices made by Filipino revolutionary forces.

PHLPost has issued 50,000 copies of the single stamp design which can be bought at P12 each. Another 300 pieces of first day cover envelope were printed to highlight the Philippine Independence Day logo.

Considered as a National Holiday among the Filipinos, the annual observance of Philippine Independence Day was signed into a law by former President Diosdado Macapagal through Republic Act No. 4166 on August 4, 1964.

According to Philippine history, the declaration of Independence was held on June 12, 1898 by General Emilio Aguinaldo and Filipino revolutionary forces from the Spanish colonization.

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