Luneta, November 15, 1935
President Quezon approached the Independence grandstand in Luneta, Manila accompanied by a Nazi officer. Everyone was surprised that Quezon invited him for the independence celebrations after their meeting. Present were diplomats from many nations including USA, Japan, UK, France and Spain. There was a tense and uncomfortable feeling after the Nazi officer walked with and sat beside Quezon.
Alex Frieder, a Jewish cigar factory businessman, was present at the grandstand, did not blink when the Nazi walked past him or sat beside Quezon. He knew about the meeting that Quezon presented the plan to resettle Jews to the Philippines [2] and the concessions he had to make. He was also aware of more than 100,000 Jewish migrants [3] welcomed by Quezon since independence in 1935.
As the celebrations continued, a group of soldiers with M1917 Enfield marched toward the grandstand. This must be the National Guard [4] contingent. The now 600,000 strong National Guard is a continuing legacy of Militia Act of 1917. The Philippine Assembly continued financing and expanding the National Guard even after the end of World War 1 in preparation for independence.
The Philippine army parades with a dozen of their horse drawn M1917 75mm artillery. The 75mm and M1917 Enfield were all locally built at the Government Arsenal [5]. The Government Arsenal was authorized by the Philippine Assembly and approved by the US Insular government in 1927. The Government arsenal is a product of the past experience of the Philippines especially in the Philippine American war. Soldiers of the past Philippine Revolutionary Army were short on ammo, guns and had to resort to makeshift factories/gunsmiths while retreating from the American army.
The day progressed and a squadron of North American T-6 Texan flew pass the grandstand. It was followed by a squadron of Curtiss SBC Helldiver, Douglas TBD Devastator and a squadron of Curtiss P-36 Hawk. All of them were flying Philippine Air force [6] colors.
The Philippine Air Force founded in July 1, 1937 was based on the Royal Air Force. Philippines wanted a separate branch to deal with aerial warfare. This all started in World War 1. The Philippine Assembly hired Curtiss School of Aviation in Camp Claudio, Parañaque to train local pilots. This was the beginning of what will eventually be the Philippine Air Force.
Quezon Speaking at Luneta November 15, 1939[7]
Quezon was speaking about the economic development of the Philippines the past 20 years. Agriculture exports sugar and coconut remained at all-time high. Industrial output in steel, fabrics/textiles and manufactured food increased. There was an expanding export demand for locally built merchant ships.[E1]
Quezon mentions that the United States continued to build the railroad plans of Spain in 1876, improved and expanded them in Luzon. The US also created multiple railroad systems in Visayas. [E2] He mentions the technical and financial assistance of the United States in hydropower, dam building, building airstrips, expanding the port capacity around the Philippines.
He announced the expanded Homesteading act to accommodate the farmers dismissed by landlords. This will be managed by National Land Settlement Administration. The old Homesteading act failed in its purpose by purchasing friar lands and selling it to small farmers at a low price. Instead wealthy individuals bought the land at a low price. The 1933 Tenancy Act also failed that the landlords waited for a year before dismissing the tenant. He is now committed in buying the large haciendas/farm estates and/or migrate and distribute public land for the small farmers.
Finally, he thanked the United States for granting Philippines independence and for helping the Philippines in nation building. He emphasizes that it is the first time in modern history that a colonizer was willing to give up sovereignty over her colony thru peaceful means.
By the end of the celebrations, Quezon waves to the massive crowd in Luneta and proceeds to his 1937 Chrysler Airflow.
[1] Luneta, Manila July 4, 1946 Source: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/...-is-raised-while-the-U.S.-flag-is-lowered.jpg
[2] modified OTL Madagascar Plan
[3] 10,000 visas issued by Quezon, 1,200 migrants
[4] Act No. 2715, Philippine National Guard was disbanded in 1921
[5] Philippine government Arsenal 1957
[6] Philippine Air Force July 1, 1947
[7] Quezon Inaugural November 15, 1935 Source: https://live.staticflickr.com/8321/8073468717_5edbcf4edd_b.jpg
Edited, November 4, 2019
[E1] Separated production increases. Streamlined exports to Shipbuilding/Merchant marine exports to focus on what Philippines was exporting heavily.
[E2] OTL railroad plans by both USA and Spain in Luzon. OTL Plans by USA in Visayas.
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