The Philippine Declaration of Independence occurred on June 12, 1898 in Cavite II el Viejo (now Kawit), Cavite, Philippines.

With the public reading of the Act of the Declaration of Independence, Filipino revolutionary forces under General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the sovereignty and independence of the Philippine Islands from the colonial rule of Spain, which had been recently defeated at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War. The declaration, however, was neither recognized by the United States nor Spain. The Spanish government later ceded the Philippines to the United States in the 1898 Treaty of Paris that ended the Spanish-American War. The United States finally recognized Philippine independence on July 4, 1946 in the Treaty of Manila.[1] July 4 was observed in the Philippines as Independence Day until August 4, 1964 when, upon the advice of historians and the urging of nationalists, President Diosdado Macapagal signed into law Republic Act No. 4166 designating June 12 as the country's Independence Day.[2] June 12 had previously been observed as Flag Day and many government buildings are urged to display the Philippine Flag in their offices.

he Proclamation of Philippine Independence

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

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

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.

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 ninetyeight persons, including an American office, L.M. Johnson, Colonel of Artillery.

avite is revered as the birthplace of the Republic. Many of the events associated with the Philippine Revolution occurred here. At Kawit is the balcony of the Aguinaldo Mansion, where the Independence of the Philippines was proclaimed on June l2, 1898 by General Emilio Aguinaldo. The first president of the ill-fated Philippine Republic, the Generals house is now a national shrine featuring mementoes of Aguinaldo.

Tejeros between Rosario and General Trias was the site of a convention of leading revolutionaries, which included Andres Bonifacio. Markers recall battles at Binakayan and Alapan (where the Filipino flag was first unfurled). Cavite is also synonymous with Tagaytay City, which is situated 688 meters above sea level and which has the best views of Taal Lake and Volcano. Upon the mountain ridges are picturesque fruit plantations, flower farms, private gardens, retreat houses and resorts all taking advantage of the citys cool, near-alpine climate. Known as The Rock, Corregidor Island was the last stronghold of American and Filipino resistance fighters until their surrender to the Japanese imperial forces in May 1942. The tadpole-shaped island is politically part of Cavite City, not Bataan as commonly assumed. Points of interest include the Light and Sound Show at Malinta Tunnel, the mortars in the different batteries, Pacific War Memorial, Spanish Lighthouse, and the new Filipino Heroes Memorial. The provinces coastline has some fine beaches with world-class resorts, particularly at Naic and Ternate. Other interesting spots include Spanish-era Fort San Felipe in Cavite City; the Geronimo Berenguer de los Reyes Jr. (GBR} Museum of historical relics in General Trias; and Mount Buntis, where the Bonifacio brothers were executed Jesuit missionaries were active in Cavite during the Spanish era. Testaments to their legacy are the old churches of Silang and Maragondon, both of which have preserved interiors.