Module 3: Filipino Nationalism

LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Recall and appreciate the birth of Filipino Nationalism.

2. Demonstrate ways of showing Filipino Nationalism.
3. Create a diagram showing the development of Filipino Nationalism.

DISCUSSION

“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. Rector 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 (Joaqas, 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 had 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 or 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 (Kurkansky, 1999). This
Spanish colonization united the archipelago of the Philippines into one political unit.

CFLM 1 – Character Formation 1 – Nationalism and Patriotism 1

Module 3: Filipino Nationalism
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, 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 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 life of the Philippines would be changed by peaceful
means (History of the Philippine Revolution, 2015).

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 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 if 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.

FILIPINO NATIONAL IDENTITY BASED IN PART ON OUR INDIGENOUS VALUES

a. Pagsasarili (self – reliance)

CFLM 1 – Character Formation 1 – Nationalism and Patriotism 2

Module 3: Filipino Nationalism
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.

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 out 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 feet and be productive and helpful not only for ourselves, but also for everyone.

3. Be Aware of the Issues in Our Country

CFLM 1 – Character Formation 1 – Nationalism and Patriotism 3

Module 3: Filipino Nationalism

We must be aware and updated on the significant issues happening in the

country. Extends 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 in the past calamities that hit
our nation. They published some data about how other individuals might be able to
assist disaster individuals.

4. Stand Proud For Every Achievement

Filipinos are competitive in many ways around the world. They are proud to be
Philippines and to be brought to the nation for the awards. For their accomplishment
they unite every Filipino. WE can be proud of Filipinos like Manny Pacquiao, the
Football Team of Azkals, the Basketball Team of Gilas Pilipinas and many more.

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 is also self – evident.
Million Filipinos now support goods and products made by the Philippines outside the
Philippines. Everything is feasible with the emergence of a 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 in all modesty.

6. Preserve the Filipino Culture

Philippines is rich in various colorful cultural elements. They are identity. Be

proud and preserve the culture we have for they are our treasure. We have to keep
them for the future generation.

Migrant Filipinos who have practically grown most of their life overseas almost
always return to the Philippines to explore our lovely beaches and the feature
attractions a nation with 7,107 islands offers. Filipinos maintain a periodic TFC (The
Filipino Channel) subscription to get in contact with every Filipino, forget about
homesickness while overseas, and instil the Filipino vales that we see on their
television.

CFLM 1 – Character Formation 1 – Nationalism and Patriotism 4

Module 3: Filipino Nationalism
7. Respect Everyone and Value Our Traditions

Filipinos are very courteous and respectful. You will acknowledge a Filipino
individual everywhere you go 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 a passionate approach to political, social and
economic liberty. Filipinos may have plurality in terms of divided islands, language,
religion, and ethnicity, but they share a common country love and vision for a better
Philippines.

8. Speak Out 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 power
of their arms and weapons. Each had their own way o showing their love and respect to
our country. In today’s generation, let us value and treasured our heroes sacrifices and
devotion for our country.

10. Love Our Family, Our Neighbours, and our 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 of 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 incalculated 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

CFLM 1 – Character Formation 1 – Nationalism and Patriotism 5

Module 3: Filipino 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 8 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 is small, white and pleasantly fragrant.

5. Narra (Pterocarpus) – The national tree of the Philippines; also known as Rosewood,
it is strong, sturdy, and durable – a common rainforest tree.

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. Cariňosa 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)

CFLM 1 – Character Formation 1 – Nationalism and Patriotism 6

Module 3: Filipino Nationalism

15. Anahaw (Lavistona rotundifolia) – The Philippine national plant. This plant is often
used as hat, umbrella, or fan symbolizing the Filipinos 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 ideas. Various ports 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 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
Philippine’s opening to world trade, which led them to become rich. They were able to
improve their social status and 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.

CFLM 1 – Character Formation 1 – Nationalism and Patriotism 7

Module 3: Filipino Nationalism

Secularization Movement

The transfer of parishes to the Filipino priest from the Spaniards friars was one of
the effects of Europes 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 or Parish Priests – These priests were not religious orders and
were under the archbishops 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 a Liberal Regime in Spain

Rafael De Laquierdo (1870 – 73)

A Governor – General of the Spanish Republic who is an autrocratic and

oppressive ruler; replaced Gov. Dela Torre. He boasted that he rules with a crucifix in
one hand and a sword in the other. He decide to restor old order and repealed the
exemption of the Filipino’s from Poly y Servicio (force labor of Filipino men in 1580) and
tribute (tax) that the Cavite workers had been enjoying.

January 20, 1872

CFLM 1 – Character Formation 1 – Nationalism and Patriotism 8

Module 3: Filipino Nationalism
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
and persecuted by La Madrid, accusing the GOMBURZA as the Rebellion’s
mastermind.

Francisco Zaldua – A bicolano soldier who testified against the GOMBURZA.

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 Burgos, was of Spanish descent. Born in the Philippines. He was a 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 a 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
a certain Jose Zamora, a known critic off 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, 1872 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.

CFLM 1 – Character Formation 1 – Nationalism and Patriotism 9

Module 3: Filipino Nationalism
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 a

mean of pen and tongue; literally means the propagation of a given opinion.

Propagandists or Reformists

There were the Filipino reformers who fled the country escape persecution in
1872. They did’nt 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 Illustrado (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 causes 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

CFLM 1 – Character Formation 1 – Nationalism and Patriotism 10

Module 3: Filipino Nationalism

THREE LEADING REFORMISTS IN 19TH CENTURY

1. Dr. Jose P. Rizal

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

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
as acclaimed as the “Father of Philippine Nationalism” due to his intellectual and
idealistic support for Philippine Independence. For him Spanish colonist system itself 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 of
3, he learned his alphabet, at the age of 8, he wrote 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 A 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 the 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 schools 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 exiled artesian well for more
effective irrigation system, and he served as a doctor, and met Josephine Bracken. He
was requested 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).
His last poem given to his sister Mi Ultimo Adios, secretly hid inside the cocinilla de
alcohol (cooking lamp).

CFLM 1 – Character Formation 1 – Nationalism and Patriotism 11

Module 3: Filipino Nationalism
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 in 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.

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 his nationalistic article including the Tagalog translation of Jose Rizal’s “El
Amor Patrio.” His other writings were:

a. Caingat Cayo – Collection of revised 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 change 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 Soberabia Monacal en Filipinas (Monastic Supremacy in the Philippines)
g. La Frailocracia Filipina (The Frailocracy in the Philippines0

Marcelo H. Del Pilar was the brother – in law of Deodato Arellano, a

propagandist and first president of the Katipunan. He organized the 1 st 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 Iloilo.
The poor people of Iloilo consulted him for medical problems. He started the campaign
for freedom in 1874 by writing “Fray Botod” (La hija de fraile) means “Big – Bellied

CFLM 1 – Character Formation 1 – Nationalism and Patriotism 12

Module 3: Filipino Nationalism
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 1 st Filipino Novel that
shows the Filipino’s developed culture.

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 defect 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 writings 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 – 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.

CFLM 1 – Character Formation 1 – Nationalism and Patriotism 13

Module 3: Filipino Nationalism

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 or 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 a movement that advocates
armed struggle to achieve 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 Bonifaci. 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
known each other after passing the initiation rites.

CFLM 1 – Character Formation 1 – Nationalism and Patriotism 14