Emilio Aguinaldo(March 22, 1869 – February 6, 1964) was a Filipino revolutionary, statesman, and military leader who is the youngest president of the Philippines (1899–1901) and became the first president of the Philippines republic. Aguinaldo led the Philippine forces first against Spain in the Philippine Revolution (1896–1898)
Spanish-American War (1898) On May 1, 1898, in the Battle of Manila Bay, the American fleet attacked and destroyed the Spanish Army and Navy Fleet and blockaded Manila. On May 19, they helped Aguinaldo, who had been staying in Hong Kong, to arrive in Cavite. Upon arriving in Cavite, Philippines, Aguinaldo immediately resumed command of the revolutionary forces and laid siege to Manila. On May 28, 1898, Aguinaldo gathered a force of about 18,000 troops and fought against a small garrison of Spanish troops in Alapan, Imus, Cavite. The battle lasted from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. After the victory at Alapan, Aguinaldo unfurled the Philippine flag for the first time and hoisted it at the Teatro Caviteño in Cavite Nuevo (present-day Cavite City) in front of Filipino revolutionaries and more than 300 captured Spanish troops. Flag Day is celebrated every May 28 to honor the battle.
Philippine Declaration of Independence and Revolutionary Government of the Philippines On June 12, Aguinaldo promulgated the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain in his own mansion house in Cavite El Viejo, believing that declaration would inspire the Filipino people to eagerly rise against the Spaniards. By August 1898, the Spaniards in Intramuros realized that they could no longer defend their walled city against the Filipino revolutionaries and that it was only a matter of time before the city fell. Fearing revenge and plunder if the city fell to the Filipino revolutionaries, they sent a message agreeing to a mock battle with the Americans. A bloodless mock battle was fought between the Americans and the Spanish until Spain eventually surrendered Intramuros to the Americans. Realizing that the walls of Intramuros could not be defended, Spain signed the Treaty of Paris with the United States on December 10, 1898. Aguinaldo and the revolutionaries had no idea that such a treaty had been signed. The treaty ceded the Philippines from Spain to the United States for $20 million.
Against the United States during the Philippine-American War (1899-1901) Due to the overwhelming combat skills of the US military, he was forced to fail in successive battles and was eventually taken prisoner by the US military. On March 23, 1901, Aguinaldo was captured by U.S. forces. On April 19, 1901, Aguinaldo swore allegiance to the United States, formally ending the First Republic and recognizing U.S. sovereignty over the Philippines. He issued a proclamation acknowledging that the majority of the Filipino people were united around the United States, declaring that they were "unequivocally in favor of peace" and that "a complete cessation of hostilities and a lasting peace are not only desirable but absolutely essential to the welfare of the Philippine Islands." In this proclamation, he recognized and accepted U.S. sovereignty over all of the Philippines.
Aguinaldo is known as a national hero in the Philippines. However, he is also known to be somewhat controversial in the country due to his alleged involvement in the deaths of the revolutionary leader Andrés Bonifacio and general Antonio Luna, and for his collaboration with the Japanese Empire during their occupation of the Philippines in World War II.
A statue of him riding a horse and commanding battle in Freedom Park shows the will of Aguinaldo and his people for Philippine...
Read moreNestled in the heart of Kawit, Aguinaldo Freedom Park stands as a serene testament to the rich tapestry of Philippine history. 🌳🏰
This park, named after the country's first president, Emilio Aguinaldo, is not just a green expanse but a living chronicle of the nation's journey to freedom. As you wander through its shaded pathways, you can almost hear the whispers of the past and feel the echoes of historical significance.
The well-maintained grounds provide a peaceful refuge, inviting visitors to bask in the beauty of nature while contemplating the weight of the historical events that unfolded on this very soil. The iconic statue of Aguinaldo himself serves as a poignant reminder of the pivotal role he played in shaping the destiny of the Philippines.
Aguinaldo Freedom Park is not just a park; it's a sanctuary where history and tranquility intertwine. It offers a space for reflection, a place to appreciate the sacrifices made for freedom, and a haven for those seeking solace amidst the whispers of the past. 🌿🇵🇭 #AguinaldoFreedomPark #HistoricalSanctuary...
Read moreOne of the best attraction that you can find here in Cavite. Freedom park is open for public and can help arrange different activities open for everyone.The Aguinaldo Shrine was built in 1845, was not as large as it is today. Now on my experience Freedom Park can be your place for picnic, hangouts, celebration, exercise, practice and many more. You can roam around within the premise just be sure to follow the local guideline. The place has an accesible gate for parking as well as for wheelchair. For the picture though this was taken around christmas season. Hope I was able to provide at least a brief information that can help people....
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