Macapagal honored for historical correction

Did you know the late President Diosdado Macapagal, father of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, was the one responsible for correcting a historical error and changing the celebration of Philippine Independence from July 4 to June 12?

On May 12, 1962, President Macapagal changed Independence Day from July 4, the day the Americans granted the Filipinos self-rule and unfurled the Philippine flag, to June 12, the day in 1898 when Filipinos first declared their freedom from foreign rule.

July 4, which is celebrated as Independence Day in the United States, has been considered since then as Filipino-American Friendship Day.

Quezon City Councilor Anthony Castelo proposed to the National Historical Institute (NHI) the conferment of a posthumous award on the late President for his role in correcting the dates.

Castelo said that so far, no such award has been bestowed on the late President.

"President (Diosdado) Macapagal’s proclamation is considered by many as a heroic act and we believe the late President duly deserves to be recognized and honored," Castelo said.

Due to lack of time, the NHI said the award, which was proposed to be presented tomorrow, will be given either on Sept. 28, the late President’s birthday, or next year, on the 40th anniversary of the change of date.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. endorsed the proposal to the NHI, saying it was only just and proper that the late President be honored for his act in correcting a historical error. – Marichu Villanueva