JASON LIGTAS

BTLED 1B

READING THE PROCLAMATION OF THE

PHILIPPINES
INDEPENDENCE

The Philippine Declaration of Independence occurred in Kawit, Cavite on 12 June 1898

where Filipino revolutionary forces under General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the
sovereignty and independence of the Philippine islands from Spanish colonization after
the latter was defeated at the Battle of Manila Bay on 1 May 1898 during the Spanish-
American War. It was declared a national holiday and was witnessed by thousands of
people who gathered in Kawit to witness the historic event.
The declaration, however, was not recognized by the United States or Spain, as the
Spanish government ceded the Philippines (and other Spanish colonial territories) to the
United States in the 1898 Treaty of Paris signed on 10 December 1898 in consideration
for an indemnity for Spanish expenses and assets lost.
The Act of the Declaration of Independence was prepared and written by Ambrosio
Rianzares Bautista in Spanish, who also read the said declaration. 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, among
them an American army officer who witnessed the proclamation. The Act declared that
the Filipinos “are and have the right to be free and independent,” and that the nation
from ”this day commences to have a life of its own, with every political tie between
Filipinas and Spain severed and annulled”.
The event saw the National Flag of the Philippines, designed by General Aguinaldo and
made in Hongkong by Mrs. Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo and Delfina Herboza
unfurled for the first time. This was followed by the performance of the “Marcha Filipina
Magdalo” now known as “Lupang Hinirang”, the National Anthem. The composer, Julian
Felipe. was a music teacher from Cavite. The lyrics to the anthem were sourced a year
after from the poem of Jose Palma entitled “Filipinas”.
General Aguinaldo explained the symbolism of the Filipino flag. Each of the three colors
has an appropriate meaning:

a. the lower red stripe represents patriotism and valor

b. the upper blue stripe signifies peace, truth and justice
c. the white triangle stands for equality

The three stars indicate the three geographical areas of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The eight rays of the sun refer to first eight provinces of Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga,
Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Laguna, Batangas and Cavite which took up arms against Spain
and were placed under martial law by the Spaniards at the start of the Philippine
Revolution in 1896.

Reference:
Agoncillo and Guerrero, History of the Filipino People
The most significant achievement of Aguinaldo's dictatorial government. was the
proclamation of Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite, on June 12, 1898. The
day was 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 Philippines national anthem. was played by the band. Ambrosio Rianzares
Bautista solemnly read the "Act of the declaration of independence " which he
himself wrote. The declaration was signed by 98 persons. One of the signers was an
American, L.M. Johnson, Colonel of Artillery.

Reference:
Filipino.biz.ph - Philippine Culture