Republic of the Philippines

BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY

The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering - Department of Mechanical Engineering

ACTIVITY I
ANALYSIS OF THE CONTENT AND CONTEXT OF A DOCUMENT
Name: Mores, Nicka Rose R. Date: 09/28/2023
Section: BSME - 1105

Read and Analyze the "Act of Proclamation of Independence of the Filipino People"
authored by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista. Have research about the document and the
author, and look for the following:

1. Background of the Author (7 Pts)

Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, the author of the Act of Philippine Independence is

considered to be “one of the unsung and unhonoured great Filipinos” despite his notable
contributions to the cause of the Philippine Revolution. Bautista also known as Don Bosyong,
was a Filipino lawyer, a distant relative to the Rizal family and the Bonifacio family. Bautista
often gave advice to José Rizal, a Filipino nationalist, while studying in Manila. He was born
in Biñan, Laguna, to Gregorio Enriquez Bautista and Silvestra Altamira. He attended
preparatory school in Biñan and studied law at University of Santo Tomas, obtaining a degree
in 1865. He practiced law in Manila and offered free legal services to poor clients. Whilst
practicing law, Bautista, on his way to Malolos, Bulacan, was captured by a group of bandits,
who subsequently learned that he saved many of their friends as a defender of the poor in
court cases against rich Filipinos and Spaniards. The bandits apologized to Bautista and set
him free. Bautista solicited funds to finance the campaign for reforms in the Philippines. He
then became a member of La Liga Filipina, the Cuerpo de Compromisarios, and La
Propaganda. In 1896, the Spaniards arrested and imprisoned him at Fort Santiago, as he was
suspected of being involved in the Philippine Revolution. He defended himself and was later
released from prison. He became the first adviser to President Emilio Aguinaldo in 1898 and
subsequently wrote the Declaration of Philippine Independence. On July 14, 1899, Bautista
was elected vice president of Tarlac's Revolutionary Congress. He was later appointed judge
of the Court of First Instance of Pangasinan.

2. Background of the Document (8 Pts)

The Philippine Declaration of Independence (Filipino: Pagpapahayag ng Kasarinlan ng
Pilipinas; Spanish: Declaración de Independencia de Filipinas) was issued on June 12, 1898,
at Cavite el Viejo (present-day Kawit, Cavite), Philippines, by Filipino revolutionary forces
commander Emilio Aguinaldo. It declared the Philippine Islands' sovereignty and
independence from 300 years of Spanish colonial rule. General Emilio Aguinaldo, the
revolutionary forces' leader, read the piece aloud, and it represented the proclamation of
Philippine independence from Spanish colonial control. The declaration was issued
immediately after Spanish soldiers were defeated in the Battle of Alapan on May 28, 1898.
Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista drafted, wrote, and recited the Declaration of Independence Act
in Spanish. The Declaration of Independence was signed by 98 people, including a United
States Army commander who saw the declaration. The proclamation of Philippine
independence, however, was issued on August 1, after many towns had already been
structured according to the principles established by General Aguinaldo's Dictatorial
Government. In Bacoor, Cavite, 190 municipal presidents from 16 provinces—Manila,
Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Bulacan, Bataan, Infanta, Morong, Tayabas, Pampanga,
Pangasinan, Mindoro, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, La Union, and Zambales—ratified the
Proclamation of Independence. Later, at Malolos, Bulacan, the Malolos Congress changed
 the declaration at the request of Apolinario Mabini, who opposed to the initial proclamation,
which practically put the Philippines under US protection.

3. Content Analysis of the Important Historical Information in the Document (5 Pts)

This historic document holds immense importance in the history of the Philippines. The
document begins with a preamble that sets the historical context, emphasizing the Filipino
people's long history of suffering under Spanish colonial rule for 333 years. This historical
period emphasizes the ongoing battle against foreign hegemony. It declares the end of
Spanish rule over the Philippines and upholds the right of the Filipino people to be free from
foreign rule. The Spanish declaration of sovereignty and independence from the Philippines
firmly declares the cessation of loyalty to the Spanish Crown, effectively establishing the
Philippines as a sovereign and independent nation. This acknowledges the sacrifices made by
Filipinos in the fight for freedom. This marks a watershed moment in Philippine history. The
establishment of a provisional government until a more permanent one could be formed. It
reflects a desire for friendly ties with other countries. The request for foreign governments
and nations' recognition and assistance. Importantly, the Act of Proclamation expresses the
Filipino people's aspiration for independence, which was achieved on this date. The names of
the Filipino revolutionary leaders who observed and endorsed the declaration are likewise
included in the Act of declaration.

4. Contribution of the Document in Understanding the Grand Narrative of History (5 Pts)

The "Act of Proclamation of Independence of the Filipino People" by Ambrosio

Rianzares Bautista is a significant document in the Philippines' history, marking the end of
Spanish colonial rule and the emergence of a distinct Filipino national identity. It
acknowledges the long and arduous struggle against Spanish oppression, recognizing the
sacrifices made by countless Filipinos in the quest for freedom. The Act places the Filipino
struggle for independence within the broader context of global history, aligning the
Philippines with global trends towards decolonization and self-determination. The document
also establishes important national symbols, such as the Philippine national flag and anthem,
which hold deep significance for Filipinos. Key historical figures, such as Emilio Aguinaldo
and Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, are highlighted in the Act, recognizing their leadership and
contributions. The Act serves as an enduring source of inspiration for future generations,
reminding them of their ancestors' determination and sacrifices in the struggle for
independence and fostering a sense of national pride and unity. The Act's proclamation of
Philippine independence becomes a foundational element in the narrative of the Philippines
as a sovereign nation, laying the groundwork for the country's subsequent history, including
its struggles and achievements as a free and independent state. The "Act of Proclamation of
Independence of the Filipino People" contributes significantly to the grand narrative of
history by marking the end of Spanish colonial rule, the emergence of a Filipino national
identity, and the alignment with global trends towards self-determination.

5. Relevance of the Document (5 Pts) (You may use any criteria indicated in the discussion)

Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista's "Act of Proclamation of Independence of the Filipino

People" is a major document that continues to influence the Philippines' social, political, and
cultural scene. By highlighting the people's historical and moral right to self-determination, it
supports the growth of a distinct national identity for the Filipino people. The paper also acts
as a source of inspiration for patriotism, reminding Filipinos of the need of preserving their
sovereignty as well as the principles of independence and self-reliance. The day of the
declaration, June 12, is celebrated every year as Independence Day in the Philippines,
reflecting the historical importance of the Act in the culture of the country at the time. The
Act continues to have relevance with current challenges and with continuous efforts for
justice, human rights, and sovereignty. The Act presents and acknowledges important
national emblems, like the Philippine flag and anthem, which unify Filipinos and represent
their country internationally. It aligns the Philippines with universal values that are still
relevant in the twenty-first century and sets them within the larger international system of
decolonization and self-determination. The "Act of Proclamation of Independence of the
Filipino People" serves as a reminder to Filipinos of their history, values, and the significance
of preserving their independence. It is a symbol of national pride, identity, and freedom.