July 4, 2008

The 4th of July is a moment to remember not only for Americans but also for Filipinos. July 4th is called the Fil-Am Day in the history of the Philippines. From 1898 to the 1990's the Philippines was an ally of the USA. The two countries fought hand in hand during the Japanese-American War in the 1940's. In the 1900's the US formatted the Philippine's educational system from the USA. The country was ran under the tutelage of the American Government. That is why we have lots of main streets named after American Governors who led our country during those formative years. One of these streets is Taft Avenue in Pasay City, named after William H. Taft, a Governor back then. On July 4, 1946, America gave the Philippines its' independence. July 4th became the country's "Independence Day". During the latter years, the Philippine Government made amendments to its' laws and made June 12 as the Independence Day instead of July 4. June 12 was an original date of the country's independence, a date when the Philippines had ceased colonization from the Spaniards. For 400 years, our country was under the Spanish Government. Our Filipino heroes led by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo led the revolt against the Spaniards. Filipinos won over the Spaniards, thus our independence. At that time, the Americans had us through the "Treaty of Paris". The other countries included in that treaty were: Guam and Puerto Rico. To this day, Guam and Puerto Rico had remained colonies, the Philippines however, chose to become independent. July 4, 1946 was the date we were granted our independence.

My home country, the Philippines is a country to almost 80 million people. It is overpopulated knowing that its' size is close to the size of the State of Nevada, the state where I reside now. It is where I teach and cater to the needs of the school children living at Clark County School District. The county has over 300 schools serving at least 300,000 school children. I am priviledged to be one among 60,000 teachers and support staff in the district.

To Uncle Sam, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I LOVE YOU!!