MANILA, Philippines — As the Philippines commemorates Independence Day on June 12, honoring the revolutionaries who secured freedom from colonial rule in 1898, over 10 million Filipinos abroad reflect on their own modern-day heroism. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and migrant Filipinos, some with dual citizenship, celebrate not just history but their ongoing sacrifices, embodying resilience far from home.
Elisa Villena, a property administrator in Dubai for 15 years, draws parallels between past and present struggles. “Our heroes fought for the nation’s future,” she said. “We OFWs battle homesickness and hardship in distant lands for our families’ future, to give them a better life.”
Cultural Ambassadors
For many, Independence Day is a chance to preserve and share Filipino identity. Analiza Bueno, a long-time resident of Rome, has instilled Filipino values in her Italy-born children, teaching them to say “po” and “opo” and speak the language. “We remind ourselves and our kids where we come from,” she said. In places like Canada, Europe, and the UAE, Filipinos organize events showcasing traditional costumes, music, and cuisine, proudly displaying their heritage.
Charlemagne dela Cruz, a Filipino seafarer and second engineer with Norwegian Cruise Line, said, “We show the world who we are as Filipinos, standing tall among other nationalities.”
A Personal Connection
For Mary Jehn Fluhr, a German citizen of 29 years, her Filipino roots remain strong. She brings her half-Filipino children to the Philippines for vacations and local Independence Day events in Germany, fostering their connection to their heritage. “Independence Day is our pride, no matter where we are,” she said.
In the United Kingdom, Marie Flor Utitco-Espartero finds the celebration grounding. “It reminds me to hold my head high, knowing I come from a rich country defended by brave people,” she said, emphasizing the validation it brings to Filipinos as a global minority.
A New Kind of Freedom
Independence Day for OFWs is more than a historical marker; it’s a lived experience. Angelito Santos, part of Alberta, Canada’s Filipino community, said annual celebrations strengthen cultural ties and honor the heroes who fought for freedom. These events also showcase Filipino resilience to diverse audiences.
The fight for freedom has evolved from battlefields to personal struggles for opportunity and identity. Felisa Romero, a retail supervisor in California for nearly 20 years, sees the holiday as an affirmation. “It gives me identity, a sense of origin, a home to return to,” she said. Waving the Philippine flag abroad, she added, declares to the world that Filipinos remain proud and free.
A Legacy Lived Daily
For OFWs, the essence of independence is carried not just on June 12 but every day. “Being an OFW isn’t a reason to forget—it’s a chance to show the world our pride,” Bueno said. Whether on foreign soil or at sea, Filipinos abroad continue a legacy of courage, proving that the spirit of 1898 endures in their sacrifices and unwavering pride.
