Manila, Philippines — The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), in coordination with the City of Manila and various national and local government agencies, leads the commemoration of the 127th anniversary of the start of the Philippine-American War on February 4 at the historic corner of Sociego Street and Silencio Street in Sampaloc, Manila.
The site is widely recognized as the location where Private William Grayson of the 1st Nebraska Infantry Regiment fires the first shot at around 9:00 in the evening in 1899—an event that sparks the outbreak of the Philippine-American War.
The commemorative rites are led by ACT Teachers Party-list Representative Antonio Tinio, joined by Manila City Administrator Atty. Eduardo “Wardee” P. Quintos XIV, and Barangay 586 Councilor Danilo S. Quintinta. Together, they lay flowers at the historic marker to honor the bravery and sacrifices of Filipino freedom fighters who resisted colonial rule.
“Tularan po natin ang mga ninuno natin na nag-alay ng kanilang buhay para sa karapatan at kalayaan,” Tinio says, urging Filipinos to draw inspiration from the courage of their ancestors who fought for the nation’s freedom.
Although Emilio Aguinaldo surrendered in 1901, resistance continues across the country as Filipinos persist in their struggle for independence despite limited resources and arms. The spirit of defiance endures, particularly in Muslim Mindanao, where significant resistance movements continue until the Battle of Bud Bagsak in Sulu in 1913.
The annual commemoration is held in accordance with Republic Act No. 11304, approved in 2019, which declares February 4 as Philippine-American War Memorial Day and designates it as a special working holiday nationwide.
