Being declared of the independence is one of the main highlights in the Philippine

history. Many nations colonized the Philippines for hundred of years like the country of Spain,
America and Japan. Achieving this kind of freedom is incomparable and worth it after all the
hardships and sacrifices of many Filipinos. Since June 12, 1898, Philippine Independence Day
were celebrated by the Filipinos. It was first declared as Philippine Republic Day or American-
Filipino Friendship Day, when a treaty was made declaring the freedom of the Philippines from
the United States. The declaration of 1898 gave us our citizenship, from indios to Filipinos peace
was had a basis of the Americanos of independence eventually.

Bautista, who was arrested and jailed at the outbreak of the Revolution, was the one who
authored the "Act of Declaration of Philippine Independence". He was also the one who read the
declaration during the June 12, 1898 Independence proclamation by General Aguinaldo in
Kawit, Cavite. Accordingly, General Aguinaldo thought that it was necessary to declare the
independence of the Philippines 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.Bautista patterned the act on the American declaration of
Independence, which was signed by 98 persons, among them an American army officer who
witnessed the proclamation. Bautista, who also served as solicitor general of the revolutionary
government, died on December 4, 1903 at the age of 72.

The most significant achievement of Emilio Aguinaldo’s Dictatorial Government was

the proclamation of the Philippine Independence from Spain in Kawit, Cavite, on June 12,1090.
The day was declared a national holiday. Thousands of people from the provinces gathered in
Kawit to witness the historic events. The ceremony was seriously held at the balcony of General
Emilio Aguinaldo’s residence. The military and civil officials of the government were in
attendance. The declaration included a list of accusations against the Spanish government
stretching back to explorer Ferdinand Magellan’s arrival in 1521. A dramatic feature of the
ceremony was the formal unfurling of the Filipino flag amidst the cheers of the people. The
Philippine National Anthem, which embodies the struggles and the glory of Filipino people in
search of freedom from foreign denomination. A few leaders in Aguinaldo’s had objected to the
move. They based their objection on the fact that it is more important to reorganize the
government in such manner as to convince the foreign power of the competence and stability of
the new government than to proclaim Philippine Independence at such an early period.
Aguinaldo, however, stood his ground and won.

The country begins its celebration by displaying the national flag in various historical
places nationwide like Rizal Park etc. As we enjoy the holiday, may we not forget its
significance in our country’s history. Before our heroes achieved our independence, they offered
their talents and wits, and put their lives at risk. May we learn from them as citizens of the
Philippines.