INTRODUCTION:

Philippine Independence is the most significant achievement that the Filipinos had for life.
Filipinos valued independence as the blessed fruit of the sacrifices, the blood, and lives of our
forefathers who fought and died to be free under the powerful hands of the colonizers. Moreover, the
Office of the Solicitor Library emphasized that love of freedom has always been the dominating impulse
which has given the historical evolution of the Filipino race a meaning and purpose. Ever since Filipinos
brought under foreign colonization, the Filipinos are ceaselessly fought to conquer the struggle for
freedom.

Furthermore, for 333 years Spanish colonial rule the Philippines and countless Filipino people
and heroes are hallowed by the blood and sufferings to stand and fight for liberty. In 1896, the
Philippine revolution begun led by Andres Bonifacio. And in 1897, Emilio Aguinaldo took the leadership
of the revolution and it is the most significant achievement of Aguinaldo. After 300 years of Spanish rule,
Aguinaldo's Dictatorial Government proclaimed the Philippine Independence from the colonial rule of
Spain in Kawit, Cavite on about four to five o'clock in the afternoon of Sunday, June 12, 1898. Thousands
of people including the presence of the military and civil officials of the government gathered to witness
the celebration of the historic event. The ceremony was solemnly held at the balcony of General
Aguinaldo's residence. After two years of the revolution, the Philippine flag was formal and officially
raised with the people cheering at the same time Philippine National Anthem was first publicly played.
The first adviser of President Aguinaldo, Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista wrote the Declaration of
Philippine Independence and in the huge crowd he solemnly read out the 21 pages Act of Declaration of
Independence. The declaration document also contains nighty-eight signatures of the persons who
signed the declaration including the American army officer who witnessed the proclamation. Through
the declaration of independence, Aguinaldo believes that it would inspire more Filipinos to fight more
eagerly against the Spaniards. However, Spain did not initially recognize the declaration, and the
Spanish-American War began. Spain surrendered and gave the United States control of the Philippines.
U. S. granted and recognized the independence of the Philippines on July 4, 1946, through the Treaty of
Manila. The conflict arose and the Philippine declared war against the United State of America. The
Philippine become fully independent and won the long battle for independence from then on. And in
1961, President Diosdado Macapagal reverted the date to June 12. Ever since that day, Filipinos
celebrates Independence Day on June 12 until now.

This significant event reminds us of the realization of a dream long desired by Filipinos to be free
from the colonialization of many nations. It was the day to remember the hardships and the sacrifices of
our noble heroes and the entire country celebrates the liberty that paved the way to the rebirth of our
nation. The documents of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence holds a great value to our
history particularly holding records of historical movement and events that allow us to look back and
honored the people who gave their loyalty and lives to our motherland to free us from the foreign
colonization and other intrusions. The official declaration of our independence day is one of the most
crucial fulfilled milestone in our history as a Filipino. Celebrating this national holiday is not just showing
gratitude but also to show love for our country and give recognition and appreciation to the heroic acts
and deeds of our noble ancestors. Be proud of being a Filipino in every inch. It is important not to forget
this significant event, this is part of the identity as Filipinos, this is made us who we are today and will
make us what we will be in the future.