1954 56th Anniversary of the Declaration of the First Philippine Independence

It was during the Spanish-American war on June 12, 1898, that Filipino revolutionary forces under General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the sovereignty and independence of the Philippines. The First Philippine Republic was not recognized by the U.S. which was not prepared to give up control of the Philippines. Following a brutal war fought against the Filipinos, the U.S. set up a colonial  administration which was interrupted in the 1940s by Japanese occupation. Following WWII in 1946, the U.S. granted the Philippines its independence on terms which included an entrenched U.S. military presence and  favourable economic benefits for U.S. interests.

The 56th anniversary of the 1898 Declaration of Philippine Independence was marked on November 30, 1954 with the release of a pair of commemorative stamps engraved by the English firm of De la Rue.

Stamps

First Day of Issue Cachet

Philippine independence was officially proclaimed on June 12, 1898 with the reading of the Proclamation of Independence in Kawit, Cavite. The Proclamation was prepared and read by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista and was signed by 98 delegates, including General Emilio Aguinaldo. The event saw  the National Flag of the Philippines, designed by General Aguinaldo and made in Hong Kong by Mrs. Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo and Delfina Herboza unfurled for the first time.  This was followed by the performance of the “Marcha Filipina Magdalo” now known as “Lupang Hinirang”, the National Anthem.

First Day Covers

 

 

Unpainted and Painted