Reinforcement Activity # 7
• Identifying the intentions of the signatories in the document for the declaration of
independence
a) Make an outline of the declaration.
b) Use your outline as your categories on the first column of the following table.
From these categories pick out the key words or phrases that would signify the
intention of the signatories.
Categories Key words in the document Intention of the signatories
(From your outline)
Assertion of Declaration of Independence, The signatories intended to
Independence Spanish Domination proclaim and solemnize the
declaration of independence to
assert the sovereignty and
freedom of the Filipino people
from Spanish domination.
Acknowledgement of Freedom, sovereignty The signatories expressed their
Divine Providence and belief in Divine Providence
International Support and sought protection from a
"Powerful and Humanitarian
Nation," referring to the
United States of America.
Recognition and Ratification, supreme head, They ratified the dictatorship
Ratification of Leadership nation established by Emilio
Aguinaldo and recognized him
as the Supreme Head of the
newly declared nation,
entrusting him with the
necessary powers to govern.
Adoption of National Flag, Nation, Symbolism The signatories intended to
Symbols adopt national symbols,
including the flag,
representing the aspirations
and history of the Filipino
people's struggle for
independence.
Oath of Allegiance Oath, independence, swore They swore to recognize and
defend the newly declared
independence with their lives,
fortunes, and honor,
demonstrating their
commitment to the cause.
Certification and Witness Witness, Circumstances, The signatories certified the
Aspiration, Freedom document's authenticity and
included witnesses, including
a representative from the
United States, to attest to the
declaration's legitimacy.
• Appreciation of the circumstances surrounding the declaration of Philippine
independence
Complete the matrix.
Questions Answers
When was it signed? June 12, 1898
Where was it signed? Kawit, Cavite
Did Apolinario Mabini and Emilio No, Apolinario Mabini's and Emilio
Aguinaldo‟s names appear on the names Aguinaldo's names do not appear on the list
who affixed their signatures? of signatories who affixed their signatures
to the declaration.
a) If this was the declaration of independence why do you think was it signed in
Kawit, Cavite and not in Manila (Intramuros) where the capital of the
Philippines was?
The declaration was likely signed in Kawit, Cavite, for safety as it served as
a stronghold of the Filipino revolutionary forces. Additionally, choosing
Kawit had symbolic significance, representing the heart of the revolution,
and it provided logistical convenience for the signatories and witnesses.
Signing the declaration there emphasized the grassroots nature of the
movement and reinforced the authority of the Filipino leadership.
b) Why, do you think, Mabin’s signature was not in the document?
Mabini's absence from the document could be attributed to various factors, such
as his health condition or other commitments that prevented him from being
present at the signing. As a prominent figure in the Philippine Revolution,
Mabini may have been occupied with strategic planning or diplomatic efforts
elsewhere during the time of the signing. Additionally, there may have been
disagreements or disputes among the revolutionary leaders that led to Mabini's
exclusion from the signing ceremony.
c) Why, do you think, Aguinaldo’s signature was not also there?
Aguinaldo's absence from the list of signatories could be due to various reasons.
One possibility is that he was occupied with military matters or strategic
decisions at the time of the signing, preventing him from being physically
present. Another possibility is that Aguinaldo may have delegated the
responsibility of signing the document to other representatives on his behalf,
trusting them to carry out the formalities in his stead. Additionally, there might
have been logistical challenges or security concerns that made it impractical for
Aguinaldo to attend the signing ceremony in person.
