Who helped the native people of the Philippines gain independence?

The native people of the Philippines gained independence primarily through their own efforts, but key figures such as José Rizal and Emilio Aguinaldo played significant roles in the independence movement. The Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule, which began in 1896, was a pivotal moment, and the subsequent Philippine-American War (1899-1902) further highlighted their struggle for autonomy. Ultimately, the Philippines was recognized as an independent nation on July 4, 1946, following a period of American colonization after the Spanish-American War.