Lesson 3: Examination of the Author’s Main Argument & Point of View

Lesson 3.1: Act of Declaration of

Philippine Independence

Lesson Outcomes:
 Examined the contents of the Act of Declaration
 Determined the contribution of the document in understanding Philippine
history

Introduction

With a government in operation, Aguinaldo thought it was necessary to declare the

independence of the Philippines. He believed that such a move would inspire the people to
fight more eagerly against the Spaniards and, at the same time, lead the foreign countries to
recognize the independence of the country. Mabini, who had by now been made Aguinaldo's
unofficial adviser, objected. He based his objection on the fact that it was more important to
reorganize the government in such a manner as to convince the foreign powers 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.

Abstraction

Examination of author’s background, main argument and point of view

The following can be done in order to examine the author’s background, main argument
and point of view:

1. Conceptualize
A. Distinguish primary from secondary sources for a given research question.
Demonstrate an understanding of the interrelatedness of primary and secondary sources
for research.
B. Articulate what might serve as primary sources for a specific research project within
the
C. Draw on primary sources to generate and refine research questions.
D. Understand that research is an iterative process and that as primary sources are
found and analyzed the research question(s) may change.
2. Find and Access
A. Identify the possible locations of primary sources.
B. Use appropriate, efficient, and effective search strategies in order to locate primary
sources. Befamiliar with the most common ways primary sources are described, such as
catalog records and archival finding aids.
C. Distinguish between catalogs, databases, and other online resources that contain
information about sources, versus those that contain digital versions, originals, or copies
of the sources themselves.
D. Understand that historical records may never have existed, may not have survived, or
may not be collected and/or publicly accessible. Existing records may have been shaped
by the selectivity and mediation of individuals such as collectors, archivists, librarians,
donors, and/or publishers, potentially limiting the sources available for research.
E. Recognize and understand the policies and procedures that affect access to primary
sources, and that these differ across repositories, databases, and collections.

3. Read, Understand, and Summarize

A. Examine a primary source, which may require the ability to read a particular script,
font, or language, to understand or operate a particular technology, or to comprehend
vocabulary, syntax, and communication norms of the time period and location where the
source was created.
B. Identify and communicate information found in primary sources, including
summarizing the content of the source and identifying and reporting key components
such as how it was created, by whom, when, and what it is.
C. Understand that a primary source may exist in a variety of iterations, including
excerpts, transcriptions, and translations, due to publication, copying, and other
transformations.

4. Interpret, Analyze, and Evaluate

A. Assess the appropriateness of a primary source for meeting the goals of a specific
research or
creative project.
B. Critically evaluate the perspective of the creator(s) of a primary source, including tone,
subjectivity, and biases, and consider how these relate to the original purpose(s) and
audience(s) of the source.
C. Situate a primary source in context by applying knowledge about the time and culture
in which it was created; the author or creator; its format, genre, publication history; or
related materials in a collection.
D. As part of the analysis of available resources, identify, interrogate, and consider the
reasons for silences, gaps, contradictions, or evidence of power relationships in the
documentary record framework of an academic discipline or area of study and how they
impact the research process.
E. Factor physical and material elements into the interpretation of primary sources
including the relationship between container (binding, media, or overall physical
attributes) and informational content, and the relationship of original sources to physical
or digital copies of those sources.
F. Demonstrate historical empathy, curiosity about the past, and appreciation for
historical sources and historical actors.
 5. Use and Incorporate
A. Examine and synthesize a variety of sources in order to construct, support, or dispute
a research argument.
B. Use primary sources in a manner that respects privacy rights and cultural contexts.
C. Cite primary sources in accordance with appropriate citation style guidelines or
according to repository practice and preferences (when possible).
D. Adhere to copyright and privacy laws when incorporating primary source information
in a research or creative project.

On June 12, between four and five in the afternoon, Aguinaldo, in the presence of a
huge crowd, proclaimed the independence of the Philippines at Cavite el Viejo (Kawit). For
the first time, the Philippine National Flag, made in Hongkong by Mrs. Marcela Agoncillo,
assisted by Lorenza Agoncillo and Delfina Herboza, was officially hoisted, and the Philippine
National March played in public.
The Act of the Declaration of Independence was prepared by Ambrosio Rianzares
Bautista, who also read it. A passage in the Declaration reminds one of another passage in
the American Declaration of Independence. The Philippine Declaration was signed by
ninety-eight persons, an American army officer who witnessed the proclamation. However,
the proclamation of Philippine independence was promulgated on August 1 when many
towns have already been organized under the rules laid down by the Dictatorial Government.

The most significant achievement of Aguinaldo's Dictatorial Government was the

proclamation of Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite, on June 12, 1898, declared a
national holiday. Thousands of people from the provinces gathered in Kawit to witness the
historic event. The ceremony was solemnly held at the balcony of General Emilio
Aguinaldo's residence. The military and civil officials of the government were in
attendance.
A dramatic feature of the ceremony was the formal unfurling of the Filipino
flag amidst the cheers of the people. At the same time, the Philippine National
Anthem was played by the band. Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista solemnly read the "Act of
the Declaration of Independence," which he wrote. 98 persons signed the Declaration.
One of the signers was an American, L.M. Johnson, Colonel of Artillery.

The Philippines: A Unique Nation. Dr.Sonia M. Zaide

Protectorate Proclaimed

Aguinaldo continued his moves for consolidation. The next step was the proclamation
of the Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898. Appropriate celebrations marked the
event in Kawit, at which the Philippine flag was raised officially and the Philippine National
Anthem first publicly played. The Declaration was prepared by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista,
who patterned it after the American Declaration of Independence. Aguinaldo invited Dewey
to the festivities, but the latter declined the invitation and did not even report the event to
Washington. The Declaration was signed by ninety-eight persons, including an American
office, L.M. Johnson, Colonel of Artillery.
The Philippines: A Past Revisited. Renato Constantino

Features:
Characterization of the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period
The justification behind the revolution against Spain
Brief historical view of the Spanish occupation
Establishment of the republic under the dictatorship of Emilio Aguinaldo
Exclusion of Andres Bonifacio’s contribution as the founder of Katipunan
Explanation of the Philippine flag's appearance
Mentioning Emilio Aguinaldo as God's selected instrument that will lead his country
to its redemption
The revelation of some overlooked historical truths

Reference: Galicia, Reynaldo and Palencia, Marjueve, Readings

in Philippine History, 2019, Golden Books Inc