Aguinaldo Shrine, where Philippine Independence was proclaimed in 1898

Philippine Independence was proclaimed on June 12, 1898 at the house of the first Philippine President, Emilio Aguinaldo, in Kawit, Cavite.

The declaration of independence was held at the balcony of the Aguinaldo mansion along Camino Real Street in Kawit (formerly called Cavite El Viejo).

The mansion, originally built out of limestone and hardwood in 1849, was donated to the Philippine government by Aguinaldo himself on June 12, 1963, a few months before he passed away in February the following year.

The mansion, now called Aguinaldo Shrine, is maintained by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines as a museum.

The shrine is visited daily by about 1,000 people daily. It is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. Those interested to visit the shrine may call (046) 484-7643. —Veronica Pulumbarit and Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/JST, GMA News