ACTIVITY FOR READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

TOPIC: DECLARATION OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE

METACOGNITIVE READING REPORT
Using the given materials, answer the following:

Author`s background
Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista is the son of Gregorio Enriquez Bautista and Silvestra
Altamira. Born on December 7, 1830 who stand as a lawyer of General Emilio Aguinaldo’s
Confidante.
He studied law at University of Santo Tomas (UST) and obtained a degree on 1865.
He was the one who authored the “Act of Declaration of Philippine Independence”, and he was
arrested and jailed at the outbreak of revolution.
On June 12, 1898, Bautista read the Declaration of Independence in Kawit, Cavite which
signed by 98 persons. He died at 72 years old.

1. Ambrosio Rianzares
Bautista, lawyer and
General Emilio
2. Aguinaldo’s confidante,
was born in Biñan, Laguna to
Gregorio Enriquez Bautista
and Silvestra
3. Altamira.
Background of the document
On June 12 1898 which is consider as the exact date for the Philippine Independence,
Bautista read its own piece, “Act of Declaration of Philippine Independence” in front of the
Philippine society. The act of declaration is witnessed and Aguinado by 98 persons in the venue
(Kawit, Cavite). This also gives the first sewed Philippine Flag to be featured.
The given document states the independence of the Philippine society in the hand of
Spaniards. Spaniards is being defeated by United States Navy in Manila Bay. This also states the
Injustice that has been made by Spaniards who colonizes and degrades the dignity of every
Filipinos they ruled.

Content Analysis: Understanding the historical information

The declaration has been made by Emilio Aguinaldo to further eliminate the different
injustice and unfair doings of Spaniards to Filipinos. In addition to this, the flag has been
recognized in this part. This states the different meaning of colors of the Philippine Flag. The
white triangle stands for the sign for Katipunan and blood compact, the three stars signifies as
the three archipelago of the Philippines (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao), the sun stands as the
gigantic step made by the son of the country along the path of progress and civilization, the
eight rays represents the provinces, Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan,
Laguna and Batangas which declares themselves in the state of war as soon as the first revolt is
initiated while the three colors (blue, red, white) stands as commemorating the flag of the
United States of America, as a manifestation of our profound gratitude towards this Great
Nation for its disinterested protection which it lent us and continues lending us.
Predominantly, 98 persons has seen and signed the proclamation of Philippine
Independence which states that they should protect the Philippine flag until their last breath.
They are Don Agapito Zialcita, Don Flaviano Alonzo, Don Mariano Legazpi, Don Jose Turiano
Santiago y Acosta, Don Aurelio Tolentino, Don Felix Ferrer, Don Felipe Buencamino, Don
Fernando Canon Faustino, Don Anastacio Pinzun, Don Timoteo Bernabe, Don Flaviano Rodriguez
and so on.

Contextual Analysis
If we internalize the document, there is a certain objective which maybe consider as a
Factor that influences Bautista in writing it, this is to inspire the people to fight more eagerly
against the Spaniards. The declaration of independence would also lead foreign countries to
recognize the independence of the country. Also, the injustices and unfair treatment strengthen
and solidify the hope and faith of Bautista to write for the independence of the Philippines.
As a true blooded Filipino, having a fair and love to your fellowmen and colleagues, if
You saw them treated unfairly, then you should have the step lessen and even end it in
Accordance with the good aim and purpose. Maybe, this are the things that encircled the
Intelligence of Bautista in writing the document, to end the colonizers in degrading the dignity
Of his fellowmen.

What is the relevance/contribution of the document in Philippine History?

If we think deeper unto the society, are we living in today’s view if there is no
independence in Spaniards or we can still feel the chain given by Spaniards. The Declaration of
Philippine Independence plays a great factor on what society we lived today.
Independence is equal to freedom, freedom in Spanish colonization and chains given by
Spaniards. This also gives hope for Filipinos to fight injustice doings and every June 12 in every
year, the Philippine society is celebrating its independence while waving our own beloved flag.
This states the proclamation have a great deal in the new generations.
 This gives us love, honor and strength to fight and love our beloved country. This is also
the time where we can internalize the sacrifices of our heroes who fought for a self-government
society. Waving the flag while knowing our freedom against colonizers.

What is the author`s main arguments?

In this circumstances, the document was written intended to Filipinos. Maybe, Bautista’s
main argument is to serve as an eye opener in the happenings of the society which
commemorates the Filipinos declaration of their inherent and inalienable right to freedom
and independence (freedom from Spanish colonization or other foreign colonization).
Additionally, it would inspire people to fight colonizers and recognize that Philippines is free
from pain, tears and bloody governance of Spaniards.

Your own overall observation and insights on the primary source.

The declaration of Philippine Independence is really important to a certain country. How
can we lived in a society having those bars and boundaries given by the colonizers. How can we
imagine that every step we make, there is a person who is intended to see, knowing that
everyone of us has dignity and freedom. The declaration of independence is the declaration in
ending things that has been bombarded our frredom.
The document also gives us the full understanding of the sacrifices that has been made
by our heroes to give on our hand the society we lived on today. Having those faith, hope and
love in the country may influence the subordinates to follow in accordance with our will for our
freedom and independence.