Activity#2

A. SOURCING THE DOCUMENT

1. Is the document/ source a primary source? Why?

 Yes. Primary sources are eyewitness accounts. As a result, the document is

a primary source because Ambrocio Rianzares Bautista declared his
participation in the event, and it was read on the day of the Philippine
Independence Declaration. In fact, the witness signed the document.
Furthermore, Bautista finished Bachelor of Laws degree from the
University of Santo Tomas. Actually, he was their first lawyer in the
Calamba Hacienda Case, which involved Rizal's family.

2. Do you think the author is credible as far as the document is concerned?

Why?

 Yes, Ambrocio Rianzares Bautista graduated from the University of Santo

Tomas with a Bachelor of Laws degree. In fact, he was their first lawyer in
the Calamba Hacienda Case, in which Rizal's family was involved.
Furthermore, bautista became an officer of the Rizal-founded La Liga
Filipina. During the Philippine revolution, he also contributed to the
patriotic newspaper La Independencia.

3. For whom do you think the document was intended? Why do you think it
was written?

 The purpose of the document was to inform the entire world, particularly
Filipinos, of the declaration of independence from the Spaniards.
Furthermore, I believe I was written so that we would be aware of the
Philippines' historical background specially, about "Acta de la
Proclamation de la Independencia del Pueblo Filipino". Finally, Bautista
wrote this to inspire Filipinos to be brave and to stand up to others.
B. COMPREHENSION

4. What are the author‘s main arguments?

 The author’s main arguments in the document are to emphasize how our
ancestors fought for their independence against colonization of Spaniards.
Also, we must have equality because they are being abused and have
inequalities against to Spaniards.

5. Give an example of historical fact (absolutely indisputable) that we learn

from this document.

 The date of declaration of the Philippines which is stated in document the

proclamation of independence "In the town of Cavite-Viejo, Province of
Cavite, this 12th day of June 1898". Furthermore, the colors of the
Philippine flag, which are blue, red, and white, are derived from the flag
of the United States of North America.

6. What do you think are some pieces of information that should have not been
included in the document? Why do you think so?

 I believe nothing should be removed from this document because it is

important to people, particularly to researchers who conduct historical
research. Even if they are minor details, all details are important.
Furthermore, as long as the ideas or history was factual and have
supporting evidence, nothing should be excluded.
C. INTERPRETATION
7. . Does the evidence in this document offer any information that you did not
know before? What is this information?

 To be honest, yes. I knew that the three stars in the Philippine flag
represented the three principles of islands, which are Luzon, Visayas, and
Mindanao. However, after reading the Declaration of Independence, I
discovered the original meaning of the three stars in the flag, which are
Luzon, Panay, and Mindanao. Additionally, the colors of flag were
commemorating the flag of United States.

8. Does the evidence support or contradict anything you have learned from a
book, textbook or some other sources? What might this be?

 Yes, I assume the date when the United States formally declared the
Republic of the Philippines' independence is July 4, 1946. However,
according to textbooks, the declaration of Philippine independence was
declared on June 12, 1898. The signature of the witness provided evidence
of this information. In addition, for me evidences support all I have
learned from other sources.

9. What information should you counter-check with other sources?

 I think the information about the Philippine flag where it was derived from
Unites States. And I was little confused about the history of Philippine
Flag. Additionally, the other biased information cited in this document,
should be double-checked with other sources.

10. . Does this source broaden or deepen your understanding of its period?
How?

 Yes, it helps me to broaden my understanding on how achieve or attain

our independence from the help of our ancestors. I realized how brave our
ancient Filipinos fought against Spaniards for our democracy. Lastly, for
our freedom.