CONTEXT ANALYSIS

TITLE OF THE DOCUMENT:

Declaration of Philippine Independence (Acta de la proclamación de independencia del
pueblo Filipino)

ORIGINAL LANGUAGE OF THE DOCUMENT: Spanish

LANGUAGE USED IN TRANSLATION: English
TRANSLATOR (If applicable): Sulpicio Guevara

AUTHOR’S NAME: Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista

BIRTH (DATE AND PLACE): December 7, 1830 (Biñan, Laguna, Captaincy General of the
Philippines)
DEATH: December 4, 1903 (aged 72)
RELEVANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE AUTHOR LINKING HIM TO THE PRIMARY
SOURCE:
-Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista was a lawyer and General Aguinaldo’s confidante, being the first
adviser to President Emilio Aguinaldo in 1898. He also served as solicitor general of the revolutionary
government.
DATE OF RATIFICATION: June 12, 1898 (based on the document); August 1, 1898 (First
Ratification in Bacoor, Cavite); September 29, 1898 (Officially ratified by the Malolos Congress)

PLACE OF PROCLAMATION:
- In the town of Cavite-Viejo, Province of Cavite (now Kawit, Cavite) at the ancestral home of General
Emilio Aguinaldo some 30 kilometers south of Manila.
AUTHOR’S PURPOSE FOR WRITING THE DOCUMENT:
-To proclaim the sovereignty and independence of the country from the Spanish colonial rule.

SOCIAL MILIEU WHEN THE EVENT OCCURRED AND WAS WRITTEN (WHAT WAS
HAPPENING IN THE HISTORY WHEN THE DOCUMENT WAS WRITTEN?):
-The country was still under the Spanish colonization. The revolution was ignited by the abuses
and injustices of the Spaniards against the Filpinos, which provoked the people to fight against Spain’s
colonial rule. Emilio Aguinaldo believed that the proclamation of the country’s independence would
inspire the people to fight more against the Spaniards, and that other foreign countries would recognize
the proclamation.
WHO WAS THE INTENDED AUDIENCE?:
-The Filipinos, including the 98 people who signed as witnesses.
 CONTENT ANALYSIS
WHAT WERE THE KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED?
 The declaration of independence in the Philippines issued by Don Emilio Aguinaldo.
 The story of how Magellan pursued to take the island.
 Miguel de Legazpi continue the path of Magellan to take over the Philippines.
 All men have equal rights—the right to life, right to be free and be independent.
 Don Emilio Aguinaldo attempt of having a new revolution.
 The flag which symbolize that the Philippines is already an independent country.
HOW MANY PEOPLE SIGNED THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE?

HOW MANY AMERICANS SIGNED THE PROCLAMATION? INCLUDE THE NAME/S:

 Only 1 American citizen signed the proclamation —Mr. L. M. Johnsons, a Coronel of
Artillery.
WHAT WERE THE SYMBOLISMS (AND THEIR MEANINGS) OF THE PHILIPPINE FLAG
RAISED DURING THE PROCLAMATION?

 White Triangle - distinctive emblem of the famous Society of the "Katipunan". It’s the blood
compact inspired the masses rise in revolution.
 Three Stars - the three principal Islands of this Archipelago: Luzon, Mindanao, and Panay
where revolutionary started.
 Sun - the gigantic steps made by the sons of the country along the path of Progress and
Civilization.
 Eight Rays - the eight provinces (Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan,
Laguna, and Batangas) which declared themselves in a state of war as the first revolution was
initiated.
 The colors—Blue, Red, White - commemorating the flag of United North America, as a
manifestation of our profound gratitude towards Great Nation for its disinterested protection
which it lent us and continues leading us.

WHAT QUESTIONS CAN YOU RAISED DURING THE PROCLAMATION? WRITE

THREE.

1. Who wave the Philippine flag from the window?

2. According to the declaration of Independence, what are the rights of the Philippines?
3. Who did not sign the Declaration of Independence?