FILIPINO NATIONALISM1

"Nationalism is nourished by a sense of history. It is of its essence to know profoundly

the past, so that we may be in complete openness with the men who made that history
and in intimate communion with their thoughts, their deeds and their noble lives."

- Claro M. Recto Jr.

Filipino nationalism started in the Philippines in the 1800s with an upsurge of patriotic
feelings and nationalistic ideals resulting from more than two decades of Spanish rule. This served
as the backbone of, and continues to this day, the first nationalist revolution in Asia, the Philippine
Revolution of 1896(Joaqs, 1990). These nationalistic feelings have resulted to a comprehensive
campaign in the Philippines for political, social and economic liberty.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF FILIPINO NATIONALISM

The Philippines has been split into various principalities known as "barangays" in the years
before the 11th century, a name originating from Malayan ships called "balangays." Datus, rajahs
of sultans governed these tiny political units (Halili, 2004). In 1565, when Spanish explorer Miguel
Lopez de Legazpi arrived from Mexico and established the first European colonies in Cebu,
European colonization started in earnest.
Starting with only five ships and five hundred men accompanied by Augustinian monks and
further strengthened by two hundred soldiers in 1567, he was able to repel competing Portuguese
colonizers and lay the foundations for the Spanish colonization of the archipelago. The Spanish
occupied the kingdoms of Maynila and Tondo in 1571 and founded Manila as the capital of the
Spanish East Indies (Kurlansky, 1999). This Spanish colonization united the archipelago of the
Philippines into one political unit.

The Beginning of Filipino Nationalism

Originally, the word "Filipino" referred to the Philippines "Spanish criollos." The Spanish
leaders described the natives as Indians during their 333-year rule over the Philippines (Royeca,
2012). The Spaniards born in the Philippines, more known as insulars, criollos, or creoles, were
also called "Filipinos" during the colonial era as well. Spanish-born Spaniards or Philippine-based
continental Spaniards were referred to as Peninsulars. Those of blended heritage have been called
Mestizos. Despite being considered inferior by the Peninsulars, the Creoles had enjoyed numerous
roles of state and church, and composed most of the bureaucracy of government. The feeling of
domestic awareness originated from the Creoles, who now consider themselves "Filipino." Three
significant factors, economy, education, and parish secularization brought it to its emergence.
These factors led to the Filipino Nationalism's birth. The Philippines opening to global or
world trade, the increase of the upper class, and the influx of Europe's liberal thoughts were just a
few instances of how the Philippines became a stable nation. The first manifestation of Philippine
nationalism followed in the 1880s and 1890s with a reform or propaganda movement carried out
both in Spain and in the Philippines with the aim of "propagandizing" the circumstances of the
Philippines in the hopes that the social, political and financial life of the Philippines would be
changed by peaceful means (History of the Philippine Revolution", 2015).

1
Character Formation 1: Nationalism and Patriotism, N. Caballero and L.J. Barican, Wiseman Books Trading, Inc., 2020
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OTHER CONCEPTS OF FILIPINO NATIONALISM
Nationalism is the secular identification and engagement of our people with the Filipino
nation and domestic community, the Philippines as our country and homeland. It goes beyond our
family, clan, tribe, village, city, province, religion, local culture and religion. First and foremost, it is
being pro-Filipino; believing that we belong to one body, mind, soul, and spirit. It's a pride to be a
Filipino; self-respect as a Filipino; pride in our national cultural heritage and manner of life, with
their constraints being realized. It involves pride in our heroes, pride in our flags, national anthem
and other symbols of our nationhood; national pride and dignity inspired by the willingness to
serve our nation alone and with dedication, and to sacrifice for it, if necessary, with our own lives.
It is a tool of change and reform; it aims our moral and spiritual regeneration, our
liberation from ignorance, bigotry intolerance towards those who hold distinct views of
themselves), parochialism (narrow mindedness), feudalism (a system in which higher ranking
individuals gave land and protection and worked and fought for them in exchange); colonial
mentality (the internalized attitude of people's racial or cultural inferiority as a consequence of
colonization), bribery and distorted elitism (an elite's advocacy or presence as a dominant
component in a scheme or community) In other words, as Filipinos, it has a powerful national
identity send and a high-minded intent.
a. Pagsasarili (self-reliance)
b. Pakikisama (equitable sharing and partnership)
c. Pagkabayani (patriotism)
d. Pagkakaisa (national unity, national consensus and discipline),
e. Pakikitungo (consideration)
f. Pakikipagkapwa - Tao (human solidarity based first of all on developing our nation)
g. Pagkakapantay-pantay (equality and equity).

DIFFERENT WAYS TO SHOW FILIPINO SENSE OF NATIONALISM

Filipinos had already shown their own way of nationalism in the Spanish-colonial period.
Some fought with their pens and tongues, while others used their arms and weapons authority.
Everyone had their own way of showing our country their love and respect. Some even died and
were able to get back our country's freedom that we enjoy nowadays.
But have we ever noticed how some Filipinos demonstrate their feeling of nationalism
nowadays? You could read some thoughts in this portion about how some Filipinos show our
nation their nationalism.
To show our sense of Filipino nationalism, everyone must: WORK - ACT - PARTICIPATE -
RESPECT - STAND PROUD - LOVE.
Let us work on our own. Act today, and participate in the government. Respect everyone
including others' raise. Stand proud for who you are. Love everyone as how you expect they would
love you back.
1. Respect the Philippine Flag and Value Filipino Identity
Being Filipinos, we should respect our Philippine flag and its purpose. The history and
value of this flag are connected to the freedom we have today. Encourage our fellowmen to
participate and respect our flag and its anthem and even our different symbols. They provide us
our identity as Filipinos or citizens of the beautiful Republic of the Philippines.
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 2. Be Productive
Do not rely on everything and then blame our government, but instead make yourself
productive and helpful to the nation. Because some of the Filipinos are blaming the government
for any adverse things our nation would strike. True, there are some corrupt political position
holders. But they're not all. The only issue here is that we rely too much on our government then
blame them afterwards. We should learn to stand on our own feet and be productive and helpful
not only for ourselves, but also for everyone.
3. Be Aware of the Issues in Our Country
We must be aware and updated on the significant issues happening in the country. Extend
help to the needy fellowmen, especially the victims of disasters like typhoons, flooding, and the
like.
Naturally, all of us use media in our daily life. We could already demonstrate our
nationalism to our nation by using this media, Some of our fellow Filipinos used the authority of
the press to extend their assistance to others the past calamities that hit our They published some
data about how other individuals might be able assist disaster-affected individuals.
4. Stand Proud For Every Achievement
Filipinos are competitive in many ways around the world. They are proud be Philippines and be to
the nation for the awards. For their accomplishments they unite every Filipino. We can be proud
of Filipinos like Manny Pacquiao, the Football Team of Basketball Team of Gilas Pilipinas and
many
5. Patronize And Support Our Own Products
The Philippines has rich resources to create quality goods and products. The manpower
services we provide are also globally competitive. Our economy will improve more if we ourselves
patronize our own products which characterize our creativity, resourcefulness, and industry.
In spite of Filipino migration all over the globe, nationalism remains to be self-evident.
Millions Filipinos now support goods and products made by the Philippines outside the
Philippines. Everything is feasible with the emergence of world economy based on information
driven by free trade, market economy, and open capital markets. The Philippine products live up
to the standard of quality all.
6. Preserve the Filipino culture
Philippines is rich in various colorful cultural elements. They are our identity. Be proud and
preserve the culture we have for they are our treasure. We keep them for the future generation.
Migrant Filipinos who have practically grow most of their life overseas almost always
return to the Philippines to explore our lovely beaches and the feature attractions nation with
7,107 islands offers. Filipinos maintain a periodic TFC (The Filipino Channel) subscription get in
contact with every Filipino, forget homesickness while overseas, and install the Filipino values
that we see on their television.
7. Respect Everyone and Value Our Traditions
Filipinos are very courteous and respectful. You will acknowledge a Filipino individual
everywhere you because he or she has always been respectful of the elders and others, using the
common but certainly classic "ho," "oho," "po" and "opo." Even in modern times, many Filipinos
show and value their noble norms and traditions. Although Filipinos overseas have held
themselves as the peak of their interest in the prism of their domestic uniqueness with passionate
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approach to political, social and economic liberty. Filipinos may have plurality in terms of divided
islands, language, religion, and ethnicity, but they share common country love and vision for a
better Philippines.
8. Speak Out Our Own Language
Using our own language is manifesting and preserving our national identity. It is our
unique means of communicating and interacting with our fellowmen. Our language is an
important tool to achieve further unity and national development.
9. Remember and Commemorate our heroes' sacrifices for our country
There were many Filipinos who died for our democracy, freedom, and independence. Some
fought using their pens and tongues, while some used the of their arms and weapons. Each had
their own way of showing their love and respect to our country. In today's generation, let us value
and treasured our heroes sacrifice and devotion for our country. (google. com)
10. Love Our Family, Our Neighbors, and Countrymen
The essence of life for most Filipinos is to create their family and nation a part of their
enduring engagement. They may even express their dedication to unpopular choices born to the
advantage of the majority. We are strongly committed to our obligations. Filipinos create an all-
out effort to work and make private sacrifices around the clock over the weekend hard work
These values, combined with an abundant reservoir of patience, have been inculcated by our
beloved parents to our youthful minds.
Bravery of Filipino workers abroad is an ideal evidence of human sacrifice for family love
and nation love. Being away from home and dealing with the problems of life in a nation you knew
no one and risking yourself into many foreboding dangers are exemplary, particularly when
serving a well-formulated task of supporting our family's necessities back home by sending
remittances that, in turn, would help increase the economy of the nation and make it more
financially stable through monetary asset

PHILIPPINE SYMBOLS THAT PROMOTES A SENSE OF NATIONALISM

Symbols are very, very important to people in quite a lot of countries, especially if these
symbols are related to a sense of nationalism. The officially recognized national symbols of the
Philippines are:

1. The Philippine Flag with red, white, and blue colors and a yellow sun representing the
provinces of the country.
2. Coat of Arms of the Philippines also featuring the yellow sun with rays depicting the
original provinces in the Philippines.
3. Lupang Hinirang (Chosen Land) - The Philippine National Anthem
4. Sampaguita (Jasminum Sambac) The national flower of the Philippines; symbolizing
purity and simplicity, the flower small, white, and pleasantly fragrant.
5. Narra (Pterocarpus) - The national tree of the Philippines; also known as Rosewood, is
strong, sturdy, and durable common rainforest tree.

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 6. Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) - The Philippines national bird. It is
acknowledged to be severely endangered. The Philippine Eagle is protected by law in the
country and there is extreme punishment for any harm done to them.
7. Dr. Jose P. Rizal - The National Hero of the Philippines
8. Cariñosa or Tinikling - The Philippine national dance. Gracefulness is symbolized by this
dance.
9. Carabao (water buffalo) - The Philippine national animal. It symbolizes industriousness
and hard work due to its use on many farms in the country.
10. Bangus (milk fish) - The Philippines' national fish. It symbolizes versatility, because of
the many ways in which it can be cooked.
11. Mango - The national fruit. Philippine mangoes are considered the sweetest fruit in the
world.
12. Barong - The Philippine national costume or clothing style for men - (untucked shirt of
thin fabric displaying Chinese, Indo-Malayan tropical and Hindu influences) for Women:
Baro't Saya (skirt and blouse with no collar)
13. "Bayan Ko" and "Pilipinas Kong Mahal" are the Philippine national songs.
14. Arnis - The Philippine national sport (stick fighting)
15. Anahaw (Livistona rotundifolia) - The Philippine national plant. This plant is often used
as hat, umbrella, or fan symbolizing the Filipino resourcefulness.
16. Nipa Hut - The Philippine national house typically a small bamboo house with a thatched
roof.

IMPORTANT DATES, EVENTS AND PERSONS IN THE RISE OF FILIPINO

NATIONALISM

The Opening of the Philippines to World Commerce

On 1834, Manila was officially part of the World Commerce after reviewing different
economic policies 1834 - 1873. This is the period of the development of agriculture in the country
because foreigners shared their agricultural ideas. Various ports opened in 1855 in Sual,
Pangasinan, Iloilo and Zamboanga, in 1860 in Cebu and in 1873 in Tacloban.
Consequently, strong financial activity in the colony was stimulated that made the lives of
the Filipinos prosperous. Modern farming techniques were introduced and the means of
transportation and communication were that boost financial advancement, boost tobacco, sugar
and abaca manufacturing.

How Some Filipino Become Illustrados?

The middle class or the "Illustrados" were the educated Filipinos who, by writing essays,
articles, novels or publication in news journal called "La Solidaridad," campaigned for reform in
the colony in a peaceful way. They were made up of the "principalia" or those belonging to the
Spanish or Chinese mestizos indigenous to Filipino or upper class. Their families were "inquilinos"
who leased property to the friars. Agricultural production evolved during Philippines opening to
world trade, which led them to become rich. They were able to improve their social status and
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send their children to European schools. They later clamored for reforms and equality, and their
children became propaganda movement members.

Influx of Liberal Ideas

Suez Canal's opening shortened the distance between the Philippines and Spain. This paved
the way for liberalism to enter the nation. Europe brought liberal concepts such as equality,
freedom and brotherhood and the establishment of the Spanish Republic; more Spaniards came to
our nation and imparted liberal thoughts to the Philippines. They carried liberal books and
magazines with them. Not only in Manila, but also in the provinces that occupied positions in
municipal government, the amount of Spaniards is increasing With only a concern to improve
material wealth and gain social prestige by gaining authority in society, more friars are increasing.
Colonizers keep the Filipinos tightly protected.

Secularization Movement
The transfer of parishes to the Filipino priest from the Spanish friars was one of the effects
of Europe's spreading of liberal ideas.

There Are Two Types of Priests:

1. Regular Priests or Friar Curates - They belong to specific religious orders like
Dominicans, Jesuits, Augustinians, Franciscans, and Recollects. Only Spanish priests could
be regular priests.

2. Secular Priests and Parish priests were not religious orders and were under the
oversight.

1565
Religious orders took control of the parishes in the Philippines these are the Augustinian,
Recollects, Dominican, and Franciscan.

Council of Trent
It was stated that Secular priests should control the parishes relates to deacons and priests
who are not monastics or members of a religious institute. But few secular priests are accessible
because some of them have been sent to America.

Father Pedro Pelaez (1862) Exposes the discrimination of Filipino clergys and the racial and
national conflict with the Friars.

19th Century - Majority of the Filipino Priest were qualified as Secular Priests.

Gov. General Carlos Maria de la Torre y Nava Cerrada - He was the one who boost and inspired
the Secularization movement and leads Liberal Regime in Spain

Rafael De Laquierdo (1870-73)

A Governor-General of the Spanish Republic who is an autocratic and oppressive ruler;
replaced Gov. Dela Torre. He boasted that he ruled with a crucifix in one hand and a sword in the
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other. He decide to restore old orders and repealed the exemption of the Filipino's from Polo y
Servicio (force labor of Filipino men in 1580) and tribute (tax) that the Cavite workers had been
enjoying.

January 20, 1872

Two hundred Filipino troops and employees, led by Sgt. Fernando La Madrid, who took
control of the Spanish arsenal in Cavite, mutinied against Spaniards. Gov. Izquierdo sent troops
forthwith to quench the rebellion.
The ring leaders were murdered Madrid, accusing the GOMBURZA the Rebellion's
mastermind

Francisco Zaldua - A Bicolano soldier testified against the GOMBURZA

February 17, 1872 - The day of execution of the priests at Luneta (Bagumbayan)

GOMBURZA - Refers to the three martyrs:

Father Mariano Gomez, a Chinese-Filipino, born in Cavite who held the most senior
position of the three as Archbishop's Vicar in Cavite. He was truly nationalistic and accepted the
death penalty calmly as though it were his penance for being pro-Filipinos.

Father Jose was of Spanish descent, born in the Philippines. He was parish priest of the
Manila Cathedral and had been known to be close to the liberal Governor General de la Torre.
He was 35 years old at the time and was active and outspoken in advocating the Filipinization
of the clergy. He wrote to defend the seculars and was known to weep like a child.

Father Jacinto Zamora, was also Spanish, born in the Philippines. He was the parish priest
of Marikina and was known to be unfriendly to and would not countenance any arrogance or
authoritative behavior from Spaniards coming from Spain. He once snubbed Spanish governor
who came to visit Marikina.

Issues on The Three Priests

1. Fr. Gomez Participated in secularization but no longer active in 1872 and he was already
more than 80 years old.
2. Fr. Burgos- Involved in the issue of secularization.
3. Fr. Zamora - Victim of mistaken identity since the warrant of arrest was addressed to certain
Jose Zamora, a known critic of Spanish Government at that time.

GomBurZa Execution
The parishes were assigned to regular priests because of the death of secular priests in the
19th century. The Spaniards wanted the secular priests to be silenced. Thus, Father Jose Burgos,
Mariano Gomez, Jacinto Zamora- were executed in February 17, 187 by Garrote after being
implicated as master minds in Cavite Mutiny. At the death of the three priests the crowd paid
respect when they removed their hats and knelt down. The bells rang all over the City upon the
order of Archbishop Melito Martinez.
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 Garrote - Is an execution technique previously practiced in Spain where a tightened iron
collar is used to strangle or break a convicted person's neck. It is said to be the form of execution
performed to the three priests.

The Importance of 1872, Gomburza Execution

It is considered as the beginning of Filipino Nationalism in the Philippine history because
the three priests were innocent yet accepted the brutal punishment for the nation.

Propaganda Movement or Reform Movement

Also known as Junta De Propaganda, Cuerpo de Compromisarios and La Solidaridad, was
founded in 19th century by the illustrados, to improve the lives of low Indios thru reforms or
changes implemented in the colony. The founders were Dr. Pedro Paterno and Gregorio
Sanciangco, Doctors of law who laid the foundation of the movement in Madrid.
Propaganda refers to the systematic efforts to spread opinion and beliefs by means of pen
and tongue; literally means the propagation of a given opinion.

Propagandists or Reformists
These were the Filipino reformers who fled the country to escape persecution in 1872.
They didn't have the intention of achieving social changes through armed struggle and revolution
rather they campaign for reform or change by way of writing. They advocated reform by writing
books, pamphlet and newspapers. They were popularly known as Illustrados (Intellectuals) in
Spain, England and France.

The Goals of Propaganda Movement

1. To make the Philippines the province of Spain
2. Filipino representation in the Spanish Cortes (legislative branch in Spanish government)
3. Equality between Spaniards and Filipino
4. Secularization or granting Filipino priest the right to hold parishes
5. Gaining freedom of speech, expression and assembly.

Major Causes for the Establishment of the Propaganda Movement

The following caused the creation of the Propaganda Movement:

1. Emergence of Middle Class
2. The Liberal Administration of Gov. General Carlos Maria de la Torre y Nava Cerrada
3. Execution of GOMBURZA
4. Resulted to the deportation of patriotic Filipinos

THREE LEADING REFORMISTS IN 19TH CENTURY

1. Dr. Jose P. Rizal

2. Graciano Lopez Jaena
3. Marcelo H. Del Pilar

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DR. JOSE P. RIZAL
Regarded as the conscience of the movement and the most prolific writer among the
Propagandists. His pen names are Dimasalang and Laong laan commonly known and acclaimed as
the "Father of Philippine to his intellectual and idealistic support for Philippine Independence. For
him Spanish colonial system itself should be blamed for the unfortunate state of the Filipinos and
the colony.
Dr. Jose P. Rizal was born on June 19, 1861 in Calamba Laguna. At the age he learned his at
the of 8, he wrote poem entitled" Sa Aking My Fellow children) a poem that talks about love for
one's language. At the age of 9, he was sent to private tutor Don Justiniano Aquino Cruz. In 1872
changed his family name from Mercado to Rizal because Mercado was closely identified to Fr.
Burgos who was executed by Spanish Authorities. In 1877, he graduated Bachelor of Arts in
Ateneo, Municipa. He enrolled in University of Sto. Tomas, took up medicine while taking up
agrimensura (surveying) in Ateneo. Rizal's poem Å la juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth)
won the first prize in literacy contest sponsored by Licero Literario Artisticio.
The Councils of the God only won 2nd price after the judge learned that it was written by
Filipino. In 1882, he sailed for Spain without the knowledge of his parents and finished medicine
in Universidad Central de Madrid in June 1885. Filipinas Dentro De Cien Anos (The Philippine
Century Hence) his written essay, where he showed how the ancient civilization of Filipinos was
ruined by the Spaniards. Sa Mga Kababaihan ng Malolos (The Young women of Malolos) He
commended the 20 women of Malolos who bravely disobeyed their parish priest by establishing a
night school where they could learn the Spanish language.
He wrote Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) a novel about social reality in the Philippines in
19th century. On February 1888, he was forced to leave Manila, he went to Hongkong, Japan,
Macau, US and England causing him to learned numerous language. On July 3, 1892 he founded the
La Liga Filipina in Tondo Manila, to foster cooperation among Filipinos, to help each other in times
of needs, to promote education and agriculture. In 1892 to 1896, Rizal spent his life as an led in
Dapitan. He became a teacher to little boys, he built artesian well for more effective irrigation
system, and he served as a doctor, and met Josephine Bracken. He was requested to go to Cuba to
serve as military doctor, but he was arrested for allegedly being connected with revolution which
broke out in the Philippines in 1896. He was imprisoned at Fort Santiago for sedition, rebellion
and illegal association. On December 30, 1896, he was executed in Bagumbayan (Luneta). He
gave his last poem, Mi Ultimo Adios, to his sister, by secretly hiding it inside the cocinilla de alcohol
(cooking lamp).

MARCELO H. DEL PILAR

Marcelo H. Del Pilar was regarded as the greatest journalist of Reform Movement. Born on
August 30, 1850 in San Nicolas, Bulacan, Bulacan. He used his grandmother's surname based on
Gov. General Narciso Claverias decree in 1849- "Filipinos should adopt a Spanish Surname."
He studied Latin in Manila, and successfully obtained the degree in Bachelor of Arts at
Colegio de San Jose. He took up law at University of Sto. Tomas but unable to finish it because he
was suspended when he inquired the increase in baptismal fee. He was also imprisoned for 30
days for this offense. He married his second cousin Marciana del Pilar where they have 7 children
but only 2 survived, Sofia and Anita. He was passionate in his campaign against frailocracy. He
delivered speeches in baptismal, fiestas and even in cockpit arenas to exposed the abuses of the
friars and the injustices his family experienced from them.

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 Marcelo H. Del Pilar was a Journalist who mastered the use of satire (the use of humor,
irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in
the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues). He was the co-founder of the first
bilingual newspaper in the Philippines "Diariong Tagalog" where he published nationalistic article
including the Tagalog translation Jose Rizal's "El Amor Patrio. His other writings were:

a. Caingat Cayo - He defended here the Noli Me Tangere of Jose Rizal.

b. Dasalan at Toksohan - Collection of revised Catholic Prayers where he exposed the true
nature of the friars.
c. He changed Ama Namin to Amain Namin, Aba Ginoong Maria into Aba Ginoong Barya,
d. Sampung Utos ng Diyos to Sampung Utos ng Prayle.
e. Pasiong Dapat Ipag-alab nang Puso ng taong babasa
f. La Oberania Monacal en Filipinas ( Monastic Supremacy in the Philippines)
g. La Frailocracia Filipina ( The Frailocracy in the Philippines)
Marcelo H. Del Pilar was the brother-in-law of Deodato Arellano, a propagandist and first
president of the Katipunan. He organized the 1st political group in the Philippines known as the
"Junta de propaganda." His pseudonyms are, Dolores Manapat, Piping dilat, V. Garcia and Plaridel.

GRACIANO LOPEZ JAENA

He was born in Jaro, Iloilo on Dec 18, 1856. His parents encourages him to become a priest.
However, Graciano wanted to become a doctor. He left the seminary and enrolled in the School of
Medicine in University of Sto. Tomas but due to financial difficulties he wasn't able to finish his
medical degree and forced to go back in Ilollo. The poor people of Ilollo consulted him for medical
problems. He started the campaign for freedom in 1874 by writing "Fray Botod" (La hija de fraile)
means "Big Bellied Friar. In his work he revealed the gluttony, indolence and greediness of friars
as represented by Fray Botod.
He went to Negros Occidental to avoid arrest in 1880, and then he went to Valencia Spain
and continues his medical degree but later shifted to journalism in Madrid. Graciano was a former
staff of LOS DOS MUNDO - News organ in Iloilo and was acclaimed as the "Prince of the Filipino
Orators" and the great orator of the Reform Movement. His pen name was Diego Laura and he
founded the La Solidaridad (Solidarity) which becomes the mouthpiece of the Propaganda. In
Madrid, he wrote articles campaigning for reforms in the Philippines. He became a member of the
freemasonry and founded masonic lodge for Filipinos in 1889.
For him and Marcelo H. Del Pilar, frailocracy or monastic supremacy was the root cause of
impoverishment of the Filipinos under Spanish colonialism. He has a habit of eating sardines
straight from the can, wiping his hands at his coat and still wear it the next day without being
laundry.

OTHER FILIPINO REFORMISTS

DR. PEDRO PATERNO

A doctor of law who wrote the novel entitled "Ninay," the 1st Filipino Novel that shows the
Filipino's developed culture.

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ANTONIO LUNA
Some of his works are Noche Buena, a biographical sketch that depicts the actual life in the
Philippines. La Maestra de mi pueblo Describe defects of the educational system for women. His
pen name was Taga-ilog.

ANDRES BONIFACIO
Known to be "Supremo of Katipunan" was one of the founders of Katipunan. He wrote
poem, letters, essays and dialogue while his writing are:
 Pag-Ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa wherein he discussed the importance of loving motherland
 Katapusang Hibik ng Pilipinas sa Inang Espanya.
 Ang Dapat Mabatid ng Tagalog - explained how Philippines entered an era of darkness
under the Spaniards
He explained in essay the meaning of word Tagalog that it did not only refer to particular
ethnic group but to all inhabitants who lived near bodies of water (taga-ilog). Everybody should
be rightfully called Tagalog.
His pseudonym was Agapito Bagumbayan. He prepared a Decalogue to serve as guide for
Katipuneros “Katungkulang Gagawin ng mga Anak ng Bayan" but later adopted the "Kartilla ng
Katipunan" of Emilio Jacinto.

EMILIO JACINTO
Regarded as the "Brain of the Katipunan.” Born on Dec. 15, 1875 in Trozo, Manila. He took
up Bachelor of Arts from the Colegio de San Juan de Letran. He took up law from University of Sto.
Tomas but he was not able to finish it because of revolution. He joined Katipunan in 1894 under
the name of Pingkian. He wrote Kartilla ng Katipunan that served as moral and ethical guide for
Katipuneros. His other works are Liwanag at Dilim and La Patria.
He became an editor in chief of Kalayaan, an official newspaper of Katipunan. He assigned
to rescue Rizal while waiting the ship going to Cuba but Rizal refused to be rescued. He fought
with cazaderos of Spanish riflemen in Maimpis, Magdalena Laguna, where he was wounded on the
knee. He died due to malaria on April 6, 1899 in Sta Cruz Laguna.

THE FOUNDING AND RELEVANCE OF KATIPUNAN

The reform movement's failure paves the way for movement that advocates armed struggle
to achieve a liberty.

KKK (Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galangan na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan or Katipunan)

This was founded on July 7, 1892, same day that news about Rizal's exile to Dapitan.
Deodato Arellano was the first President of Katipunero followed by Roman-Basa then by Andres
Bonifacio. The KKK members were divided when it increased more than one hundred Katipon,
Kawal, Bayani. Each category has its own password and members undergo blood compact.
Katipuneros refers to the sons of the people, used triangle method to recruit members,
where every member should recruit two new members who would only know each other after
passing the initiation rites.

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