Philippine History and Cavite
For us, Filipinos, whenever the 12th of June comes, one can easily think of a province which played a big part in the country’s history--- Cavite. Dubbed as the Cradle of the Philippine Revolution and the Birthplace of Philippine Independence, Cavite took a major role in our history.
Spanish Times
Cavite has been a place of interest since the Spanish regime. Its strategic location--- southeast of Manila Bay, was perceived by the colonizers as a valuable staging ground where they could launch their galleons. The present time Cavite City was once a mooring place for Chinese junks trading that came to trade with those around Manila Bay. By year 1571, the Spaniards founded the port in the said area. The settlements there were also secured to become as the first line of defense for the city of Manila.
Due to its military significance, Cavite was considered as an asset. It became the target of attacks by foreigners who wished to conquer Manila and the Philippines during those times. The Dutch made a surprise attack in the city in 1647 but were pushed away. When no formal government was in place, the British occupied the port for two years in 1672. Likewise, it was in the province where the American troops attacked the Spanish squadron.
Birth of Philippine Independence
The Philippine revolution broke out in 1896. Caviteños made surprise attacks to the Spanish headquarters. The revolt was led to its end by General Emilio Aguinaldo as the province was soon liberated from the Spaniards. This victory inspired Aguinaldo to display the Philippine flag for the first time in May 28, 1898. Soon after, the Philippine Independence was declared by Aguinaldo in June 12, 1898 in his home in Kawit, Cavite.
Modern Cavite And History Preservation
Today, Cavite has become a progressive province with a booming economy. Several infrastructure projects that make it more accessible to nearby provinces has made Cavite more favourable for families to consider it as their next home address. While several mixed-use projects are mushrooming in the area, the province has preserved its historic significance with numerous place worth visiting:
Emilio F. Aguinaldo Shrine
Situated along Tirona Highway, this is where the declaration of Philippine Independence from the Spaniards took place in June 12, 1989. This is also the home of the first President of the Philippine Republic.
Bonifacio Trial House
The Roderico Reyes Ancestral House in Maragondon, Cavite served as the military court where brothers Andres Bonifacio and Procopio were tried for sedition and treason when they refused to accept the Philippine Revolutionary government. Today, it is preserved as Ang Museo Ng Paglilitis Ni Andres Bonifacio.
Battle of Alapan Marker and Flag
In the quest for Philippine Independence, the battle of Alapan was a significant event as it was the first victory of the Aguinaldo-led military forces against the Spanish colonizers. It was after this battle that the soon-to-become Philippine National Flag was unfurled.
Julian Felipe Monument
This was erected in 1958 in Cavite City as a tribute to his contribution to Philippine history. Julian Felipe is the composer of our national anthem, Lupang Hinirang, originally titled in Spanish as Marcha Nacional Filipina (Philippine National March).
For Profriends, Cavite has been envisioned to be a progressive province since the inception of its first project, Villa De Primarosa, in Buhay Na Tubig in Imus. Today, Profriends communities continue to provide its commitment to transform the lives of the families it serves through its homes that promote connection among kapitbahays, nature, and the community as a whole.