PROCLAMATION
COMMEMORATING THE 127th anniversary of
The proclamation of philippine independence
in the city of hercules
WHEREAS, June 12, 2025, Filipinos worldwide celebrate the 127th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence from Spanish rule; and WHEREAS, the Spanish colonization of the Philippines began in the 16th century and lasted for more than 300 years, during which, natives experienced economic inequalities, poverty and social stratification, wealth and power imbalance, and dispossession of their lands; and WHEREAS, In 1896, Emilio Aguinaldo led the Filipino nationalists’ revolt against the 333-year colonial rule of Spain and on June 12, 1898, in Cavite El Viejo, Philippines, declared the independence of the Philippine Islands.
WHEREAS, commemorating Philippine Independence from Spain fosters national pride, honors Philippine history and celebrates Filipino identity and culture no matter where they are in the world; and WHEREAS, Filipinos have been coming to the United States in large waves of migration and immigration, first as U.S. nationals, then as aliens, then as United States citizens, and have since, built multigenerational and diverse communities; and WHEREAS, today, there are 4.2 million people of Filipino descent living in the United States; 1.6 million live in California, and Filipinos make up 25% of the City of Hercules over 34,000 in Contra Costa County – a spectrum of political, economic, and social strata, who play vital roles in the building of this nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that I, Dion Bailey, Mayor of the City of Hercules, on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby commemorate June 12, 2025, as the 127th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence in the City of Hercules. We honor this day by grounding our understanding in the historical significance and cultural vibrancy of the Philippines, so we can appreciate the true essence of Independence Day and the legacy it continues to build.
In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the City of Hercules to be affixed this 24th day of June 2025. ______________________________
Dion Bailey, Mayor