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The Proclamation of Philippine Independence
(In celebration of the 107th
Philippine Independence Day on June 12, here are some compiled articles worth reading. Web Editor)
Declaration of Independence
With a government in operation, Aguinaldo thought that 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.
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, among them an American army officer who
witnessed the proclamation. The proclamation of Philippine independence
was, however, promulgated on August 1 when many towns has already been
organized under the riles laid down by the Dictatorial Government.
History of the Filipino People. Teodoro A.
Agoncillo
Proclamation of
Philippine Independence
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
Philippine 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.
The Philippines: A Unique Nation. Dr. Sonia M. Zaide
Protectorate Proclaimed
Aguinaldo continued his moves for consolidation. The next step was the
proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898. Appropriate
celebrations marked the event in Kawit at which the Philippine flag was
officially raised 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
Special Features:
The Proclamation of Philippine Independence
Pinoy New Zealand Dream
5 Years on the Web
Site Sources: www.msc.edu.ph/independence/
www.bibingka.com/phg/
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