ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

McArthur Highway, Angeles City, 2009

Contact No.: (63-45) 625-2888 / Email: registrar@[Link]
Website: [Link]/

College of Business and Accountancy

Readings in Philippine History
PANLICAN, MIKAELA MARY S.
BSA-1A

Document: Act of the Declaration of Philippine Independence

The Philippine Declaration of Independence was on June 12, 1898. Today, I am feeling

patriotic and nostalgic. Because I’m writing a reflection essay about it. Our flag has many

significant meanings. Eight-rayed golden sun symbolizing unity, freedom, people’s democracy,

and sovereignty. Each ray represents one of the first eight provinces that started the 1896

Philippine Revolution against Spain. The eight provinces are Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga,

Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Laguna, and Batangas. The three five-pointed stars, one for each of the

triangle’s points, stand for the three major geographical island groups that comprise the

Philippines: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. When the red field is up it means that a state of war

existed.

Jose Rizal, Philippine National Hero. He was the most prominent advocate for reform in

the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. His novel, “Noli Me Tangere”, which was

published in Germany on 1887, was a pointedly critical socio-political analysis of Philippine

society under Spanish colonial administration. The book caused an uproar in the Philippines, and

it made him an enemy of the Spanish friars and colonial administrators. He organized the “La Liga

Filipina” in Manila and one of the founders of the organization was Andres Bonifacio. Jose Rizal
was wrongly implicated as the leader of the “Katipunan” Revolution, and that led to his execution

on December 30, 1896. His death added more fuel to the burning desire of the Katipuneros and

the people to liberate their country from Spanish colonial rule.

Andres Bonifacio is the father of the Philippine Revolution. He was the founder and

supreme leader of the Katipunan movement, which sought the independence of the Philippines

from Spanish colonial rule and started the Philippine Revolution. He is one of the founders of Liga

Filipina in Manila. He is considered a de facto national hero of the Philippines. For Andres

Bonifacio, the Katipuneros and the inhabitants of the Philippines, the term “Filipino” meant racial

equality, human dignity and love of country in its purest form. Lapu-lapu is the first native of the

archipelago to have resisted the Spanish colonization. He was also responsible for the death of

Portuguese Explorer Ferdinand Magellan. He is as the first Filipino hero. Many Filipinos show

their nationalism and bravery in many ways.

June 12 marks the official day when the Philippines declared independence

from Spain after over 400 years of colonization. General Emilio Aguinaldo and the Philippine

revolutionary forces enacted the declaration after the Battle of Manila Bay, where American forces

defeated the Spanish in one of the last battles of the Spanish-American war. However, in the light

of self-declared sovereignty, the Philippines and its independence were not recognized by the two

governments that sought to keep the country. The declaration, however, was not recognized by the

United States or Spain, as the Spanish government ceded the Philippines to the United States in

the 1898 Treaty of Paris, in consideration for an indemnity for Spanish expenses and assets lost.

After "liberating" the country from Spain, the United States basically wanted to keep

the Philippines for itself.

 ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
McArthur Highway, Angeles City, 2009
Contact No.: (63-45) 625-2888 / Email: registrar@[Link]
Website: [Link]/

College of Business and Accountancy

Readings in Philippine History
Tuazon, Rosette Anne Q.
BSA-1A

Document: Act of the Declaration of Philippine Independence (Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista)

If there will be one most significant event in the history of the Philippines, that is the

declaration of its independence. This freed the Filipinos from the 333 year colonization of the

Spaniards. The document we were to discuss talks about the events that lead to the declaration of

the independence of Philippines. During the Spanish-American war, the Philippines got involved.

Emilio Aguinaldo allied with the Americans and defeated the Spaniards. Ambrosio Rianzares

Bautista wrote the Act of the Declaration of Philippine Independence to encourage more Filipinos

to fight with them against the remaining Spanish people. And this document is the main star of

this discussion.

In this document, we see how the Philippines lost and gained back its independence.

Through blood compact, the Spaniards we able to conquer the island of Cebu, then Bohol, until

they had the power over the whole archipelago. We see how unfairly the Filipinos were treated by

the Spaniards since then. Arbitrary arrests and abuses of civil guards, the trial without hearing, and

the unjust deportations. Filipinos got tired of this and decided to make a move, hence, the

establishment of Biak-na-Bato. We see then the dictatorial government of Aguinaldo. All the

power was given to him, letting him dismiss the duties of the government. Until, Emilio Aguinaldo
led his revolutionary forces in proclaiming the independence of the country from being a Spain

colony.

That same day was, then, the first Philippine flag was waved, and the national march was

played. The flag’s design had symbolisms: the white triangle signifies the emblem of the

Katipunan, three stars for our three main islands, sun for the move made by our great heros, eight

rays for our eight major provinces, and lastly, the colors of blue, red, and white to show our

gratitude to the Americans who protected the Filipinos during then. Our flag and national march

are what makes the world know of our existence as a state and nation.

These series of events led us to freedom, and these symbolism are our identity. They make

the Act of the Declaration of the Philippine Independence relevant, because it is the solid proof of

both the struggles and the success of Filipinos. It is important that we still study them because we

get reminded how we got the freedom that we enjoy today. Even the small details actually count.
 ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
McArthur Highway, Angeles City, 2009
Contact No.: (63-45) 625-2888 / Email: registrar@[Link]
Website: [Link]/

College of Business and Accountancy

Readings in Philippine History
Rosales, Francis Angelo D.
BSA-1A

Document: Act of the Declaration of Philippine Independence

Three hundred years of tyranny, slavery and oppression. Our country has suffered these

and this suffering was passed on from generation to generation. In three centuries of colonization,

our countrymen were only left with hope and nothing more. But how big is hope to people who

are looked-down every day, their pride being destroyed and stripped of their identity. Remember,

rebellions are built on hope. Throughout these years, the Filipinos fought to claim their identity

back, and finally they have succeeded. The question now is – How can we preserved and honor

what our founding fathers did to our country?

A free nation is a progressive and loving nation. A nation that can do what it wants and

can cater to its people will surely prosper and grow to be one of the best. But without the freedom

it deserves, it will crumble to the ground. It will cease to become what it really is. Its people will

then be subject to oppression and anarchy, terms which do not go well with a progressive nation.

What happened to the Philippines when the Spaniards colonized the Philippines for three

centuries? The answer – worse than what we could imagine. Countless innocents and future

leaders were killed. People who would have made this nation proud, gone in an instant. With

hope lost on almost all parts of the Philippines, how would our ancestors ever find the will to get
back and take back what belongs to us? They did what the Filipinos had best, the will to never

give up. Never underestimate the heart of a Filipino, for it has endured a lot and is willing to risk

everything to fight for what is right. Countless rebellions were started, rebellions built on hope.

Little by little, the Spaniards grew weary. They were exposed, weakened and were blindsided by

our wisest leaders namely; Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, Apolinario Mabini, Emilio

Aguinaldo and the most cunning of them all, Dr. Jose Rizal. With their combined brains and

brawn, they were able to start something, something to fight for. Together with the other rebellion

leaders, they risked their lives, even sacrificed for some of them so that one day, our nation maybe

free. And it happened, the fruits of their labor were finally ripe. With the explosion of USS Maine,

and the works of our heroes. The Americans came to the Philippines with the intention of fighting

Spain. And in the Treaty of Paris, the Filipinos were finally free from the Spaniards. This would

then start a new era with Emilio Aguinaldo as the president. The historic moment of the flag-

waving at Aguinaldo’s Balcony not only signifies that we are free. It also signifies that Filipinos

are gritty and tenacious. We will never back down in a fight. We will always find a way out of

our problems. We will also be a free nation.

As for us living in the present, it is our duty to preserve this peace given to us by our heroes.

We must ensure that what they fought for will not go waste. Participate in everything that involves

our country, we don’t only fight for ourselves but also for the future of our children and the Filipino

people. Just like what Desmond Tutu said, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have

chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that

you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality”. It is our obligation to serve our

country and to always fight for what is right.

 ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
McArthur Highway, Angeles City, 2009
Contact No.: (63-45) 625-2888 / Email: registrar@[Link]
Website: [Link]/

College of Business and Accountancy

Readings in Philippine History
Lingat, Michelle Frances D.
BSA-1A

Document: Act of the Declaration of Philippine Independence

Is our country truly worth dying for? Freedom is often sought for but at what costs? The

aspirations of independence, countless sacrifices, and the resulting revolution were the essential

endeavors our country was forced to face in their battle for freedom. Although these factors greatly

influenced the nation’s desire in obtaining independence, how did the Filipino people receive and

exercise their freedom in the past and in relation to the contemporary times?

Freedom stands for something far greater than just the right to act freely, however one

pleases to do so. It signifies the security granted justifiably to everyone with regards to the

opportunities in life, liberty, expression, and in the pursuit of happiness. The history which led to

the independence of the Philippines was predominantly ruled by endless wars and conflict between

different regions and countries before even beginning the process of building its own systematic

national sovereignty. The first phase of the Philippine Revolution ended with a truce declared

between the Spaniards and the Filipinos, led by General Emilio Aguinaldo, agreeing to be exiled

to Hong Kong while the Spaniards paid an indemnity for damages as a result of the conflict that

occurred. Peace, however, lasted not long before it collapsed. The war recommenced, in which the

situation could have been much worse for the state of the country, if not from the sudden rise of
the Spanish-American War. This eventually led to the arrival of the new colonizers to the

Philippines, the Americans. Although even before the Battle of Manila Bay, Aguinaldo was trying

to form an alliance with the Americans. Moreover, he was also engaged in the trading of weaponry.

Aguinaldo finally returned to the Philippines initiating the second phase of the Revolution. The

Filipinos won their first victory in Alapan, Imus. This marked the birth of the Filipino identity

which was signified in the Philippine flag. Aguinaldo further announced the creation of the

dictatorial government, which was only a temporary type of rule as a necessary response to the

growing nation. Finally, on June 12, 1898, Aguinaldo declared Philippine Independence from

Spanish rule. Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, author of the declaration and adviser to Aguinaldo,

read the declaration that was later signed by 98 persons. The Philippine National Anthem was also

played whilst the Philippine flag was again unfurled. These events progressively embodied the

substance of The Act of Proclamation of Independence of the Filipino People. In spite of the past

struggles and hardships the Filipinos were subjected to stipulated in the document, it provided the

significant achievements of the Philippines in proclaiming freedom after decades of being

oppressed by the Spanish colonizers. It also introduced the point in which the country earned its

own identity, constructing the foundation of our traditions and culture.

In the historical events that ensued, it is evident that we have lost much more than what our

country has bargained for. Countless lives, the light of innocence, dignity to name a few, were

deprived from the Filipino people. Nevertheless, the revolt of the masses gave birth to the Filipino

identity. It was the first wake up call to prejudice written in the context of history. The document

serves as the pinnacle of our existence as a nation and a state. It supports the reason for the present-

day patriotism. An indication of the monumental sacrifice of Filipinos for their fellow Filipinos.

A living proof of why we should persevere for the sake of our country. Freedom for our country,
Philippines, is more than just doing whatever of choice, it is the power to act, speak, or think

without constraints for the betterment of our society in honor and respect of its past sacrifices and

experiences.
 ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
McArthur Highway, Angeles City, 2009
Contact No.: (63-45) 625-2888 / Email: registrar@[Link]
Website: [Link]/

College of Business and Accountancy

Readings in Philippine History
Macalino, Chaterine Joy C.
BSA-1A

Document: Act of the Declaration of Philippine Independence

From June 12, 1898, the day Philippine Independence was proclaimed in Kawit, Cavite, to

June 12, 2017—a span of 119 years—the Filipino people have endured a long and tortuous trek in

quest of freedom and full nationhood. Sadly the journey has been dark and inconsistent.

Perhaps it is time we paused and asked ourselves: What have we, as individuals, done for

this country, such that peace and inclusive progress has been so elusive? If a nation’s greatness

were to be measured in terms of its GNP (gross national product) or the excellence of each

individual citizen in the pursuit of his calling, then we deserve some breast-beating.

But who benefited from these giant strides? Evidently something is missing, and this we

must resolve. Toward this end, the following historical events may prove useful: The capture of

Emilio Aguinaldo, president of the first Philippine Republic at Palanan, Isabela, on March 25,

1901 (actually a “sellout” conspiracy by his own men) was a major setback in our struggle for

independence and nationhood. It doused the fire of nationalism that ignited the Katipunan

revolution against Spain and resistance against American occupation. Aguinaldo’s downfall,

machinated by Filipino conservatives who advocated annexation to the United States, led to our
century-long “waltz” with the Americans. But thanks anyway for the tutelage in democratic

concepts of governance and some measure of material progress. Fast forward to the Cold War era

when the old empires crumbled and former emperors had to change clothes, so to speak, to

somehow hold on to their former colonies. With a new concept (read: weapon—

transnationalism—and with their “market forces,” they then broke through national borders and

infiltrated governments of small states. These forces maligned nationalism and gave it ugly

connotations. Our own leaders genuflected in obeisance before them and facilitated the smooth

acceptance of their version of economic and political policies. The divide-and-conquer strategy

lived on, leaving behind more divisions within and among states. Soon enough, the Cold War

stoked the fires of a peasant rebellion and cities were afire with protest rallies, intensifying the

ideological hostilities, and militants were placed under surveillance. Even student leaders—who,

out of touristic curiousity, slipped into China and Moscow to attend international conferences—

were investigated by the congressional committee on anti-Filipino activities as soon as they came

back. Activists were hauled to Camp Crame; others simply disappeared; the rest took to the hills

to provide intellectual substance to the insurgency. These events provided then-president

Ferdinand Marcos the backdrop to declare martial law which all the more spawned violence and

divisiveness. This singular political act inspired concerted moves that led to the famous Edsa

revolution. The rest is history.

 ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
McArthur Highway, Angeles City, 2009
Contact No.: (63-45) 625-2888 / Email: registrar@[Link]
Website: [Link]/

College of Business and Accountancy

Readings in Philippine History
Pascual, Karla I.
BSA-1A

Document: Act of the Declaration of Philippine Independence

Independence Day was one of the most important events in the lives of our fellow Filipino

citizen, you may ask why? We are colonized by the Spaniards for almost three hundred years and

our ancestors who fought for our freedom has sacrificed a lot that time including their own lives.

Not just the Spaniards but we were also colonized by the Japanese and Americans, the country has

been through a lot so are the citizens, our history is not complete without the names of our very

own heroes namely; Andres Bonifacio who founded the Katipunan, Apolinario Mabini who served

first as a legal constitutional adviser to the Revolutionary Government, Emilio Jacinto who is the

General during the Philippine Revolution, Emilio Aguinaldo who was then the first President of

the Republic of the Philippines and last but not the least our very own National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal

who bravely fought for our own freedom, they were the ones who has the ability, strength and

brain combined to come up and create something that is worth fighting for, together with the other

leaders and other citizens who has the guts to fight, they fought for our country and even sacrificed

their own lives in order for us to be free, for almost three hundred years of being colonized, our

fellow Filipino citizens had been living their lives being dictated what to do and not being able to

speak their own minds, our country has suffered a lot from time to time and the sufferings was
then passed into generation by generation, our countrymen was hoping for the suffering to end for

almost three hundred years but how big their hope was to end the sufferings, is it enough to end

it? Without doing anything just hoping that they will wake up and then everything will eventually

change and the sufferings will end at no time, it’s not the case but then finally after fighting for the

freedom for almost three hundred years they succeeded, but we as the citizens of the present

generation, do you think of the ways on how can we preserve the freedom that our ancestors had

fought for? They suffered more worse that what we could ever imagine, what was written in the

history was maybe just the surface of what really happened during those time, countless lives of

the innocent people was killed, even the leaders who was fighting for it was also killed, but after

endlessly fighting for it the efforts of our leaders finally are paying off, the Americans came to the

Philippines not to engage in a war with us but to fight with the Spaniards, and finally the treaty of

Paris happened that ended the Spanish-American war, and after that finally our own freedom was

served and President Emilio Aguinaldo waved the Philippine flag in his house’s balcony in Kawit,

Cavite in commemoration of declaration of our freedom.