NAME: GANI, DOREEN G.

GE707 - READING IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

Learning Activity: Evaluative essay

Requirements:
1. What do the documents want to convey?
- The Act of Declaration of Philippine Independence was included in the texts I read. In
contrast, the United States fought and lost the war against the Spanish conquerors.
They acknowledge defeat and remove all Spaniards, ceding control of the territory to
the Americans. The US, on the other hand, is indifferent towards the Philippines since
its main goal is to liberate the Filipinos from Spanish colonial domination, obtain
independence, and establish a government led by a Filipino. Additionally, the main
intention of this document is to show a long list of grievances against Spanish power
that date back to Ferdinand Magellan's arrival in 1521. It also contains propaganda
declaring Emilio Aguinaldo to be the country's leader. Another advantage is that it
discusses the significance of the Philippine National Flag and its many components and
most importantly, the document tries to declare Philippine independence.
2. How did the revolutionaries regard Aguinaldo based on the document?
- In 1895, Aguinaldo joined the secret revolutionary group created by his lodge
mate Andres Bonifacio to fight for Philippine independence. When opponents
assassinated Bonifacio in 1897, Aguinaldo took command of the Spanish revolution.
They regarded Emilio Aguinaldo as the means selected by God to become the nation's
Supreme Head. Emilio Aguinaldo, according to my knowledge, was one of their
aspirations at the moment, as they saw him as someone who might affect the salvation
of our tragic nation. Also, Aguinaldo was given all of the sovereignty required for him to
carry out the duties or obligations of the government, including the power of amnesty.
3. According to the document, what do the symbols In the Philippine flag
represent?
- The Philippine flag is one of the symbols of our country's independence and freedom.
The same flag is flown across the country to symbolize the country's unity. The following
are the meanings of the flag's elements:
 White triangle - represents the great "Katipunan" Society, which exploits its
blood compact and motivates the masses to rise in revolution.
 Three stars - represents the three main islands of the Archipelago: Luzon,
Visayas, and Mindanao, as well as Panay, the origin of the revolution.
 Sun - represents the country's son's great leap forward on the path of civilization
and progress.

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  Eight Rays – it depicts Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija,
Bataan, Laguna, and Batangas vowing war on each other as soon as the first
rebellion begins.
 The colors of Blue, Red and White - it honors the American flag as a sign of
our sincere thanks to our wonderful nation for the continual security it has
provided and continues to give.
4. How did the Filipinos regard the United States according to the document?
- The Filipinos regard the United States as a defender or ally who has provided
unselfish protection and assistance in order for us to be free from the conquerors'
oppression. Our flags' colors tend to recall and convey gratitude to a country that both
benefits us and is meaningful to us.
5. What is the importance of this document in the history of our country?
- The document provides tangible proof that revolutionaries headed by General Emilio
Aguinaldo declared the Philippines' independence and sovereignty over Spain. It is
more than simply a piece of paper or a document; it is a tribute to the bravery, efforts,
and sacrifices of our forebears. Despite our obstacles, the prospect of obtaining
freedom makes it all worthwhile and desired. Most importantly, we would be inspired to
fight for our independence regardless of the cost as long as this document is passed
down to future generations, since our founders and heroes did not die so that other
countries might control and deceive us. As Filipino citizens, we choose to learn from
them.
6. Republic Act No.4166, in which an act that changed the date of Philippine
independence from July 4th to June 12”, thus declaring July 4th as Philippine
Republic Day. Analyzing the above documents and discussion on Philippine
independence, is it historically appropriate to declare June 12,1898 as our
country's celebrated independence? Discuss your answer using the primary
sources presented above. If the senate opens a discussion on changing the
Independence date, would you agree or disagree? If you agree , state your
reasons, and if you disagree supply healthy discussion on your reasons using
the primary sources presented above.
- I disagree with proclaiming June 12th as Philippine Independence Day because when
Emilio Aguinaldo declared independence on June 12, 1898, the Philippines lacked two
key characteristics of statehood: territory and sovereignty. Despite its clear borders, the
Philippines lacked the legitimacy that comes with international recognition. Aguinaldo's
government lacked sovereignty because the Philippines was still under the dominion of
American colonialists at the time. The Philippines declared full independence from
American domination at the Luneta on July 4, 1946. As a result, the Philippines continue
to be ruled by American conquerors as of June 12th.

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