In our course, Readings in Philippine History, we are currently having the module

II section 6 entitled “The Act of Declaration of Philippine Independence”. This

section focuses on the Act of the Declaration of Philippine Independence authored by
Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista. It also mentions the different important aspects of the
actual declaration such as the national anthem and the waving of the national flag.
The author, Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista (also known as "Don Bosyong")
was born on December 17, 1830 in Biñan, Laguna to Gregorio Enriquez Bautista and
Silvestra Altamira. He studied Law at the University of Sto. Tomas and earned his
degree in 1865 (at 35 years old). He solicited funds to finance the campaign for
reforms in the Philippines and became a member of the La Liga Filipina, Cuerpo de
Compromisarios, and La Propaganda. He was arrested and imprisoned at Fort
Santiago by the Spaniards as he was suspected of being involved in the Philippine
Revolution but managed to defend himself and was eventually released.

It is always good to remember the lessons of the past and pay tribute to the heroes
that helped us earn our independence from Spain. But we must also look at the other
forms of dependency that we have as a nation, as citizens of this country, and as
individuals. To be independent as an individual is to be responsible for our own
happiness. Socrates said we need to be able to think for ourselves so we can find
ourselves. This is, of course, easier said than done as the noise of the modern world
often makes it hard to think independently. Our thoughts and beliefs are sometimes
colored by other people’s opinions and judgment. Perhaps there needs to be some
conscious effort to withdraw from the crowd and think in silence, to allow our
original thoughts to surface unaffected by other people’s criticism or evaluation.
Independence in our thoughts is another idea that is good for further exploration, as it
was the great philosopher himself who said that independent thinking leads to self-
knowledge.