essay about philippine heroes

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PHILIPPINE HEROES – Heroes In Philippine History

Well known philippine heroes throughout history.

PHILIPPINE HEROES – In this topic we will know some of the great Philippine heroes who spent their lives for their country throughout history.

1. Jose Rizal

The national hero of the Philippines. Also known as José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Realonda , he was well-known for his two novels: “Noli me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” .

2. Andres Bonifacio

The supremo or supreme leader of the revolutionary movement Katipunan . He is known as the Father of Philippine Revolution.

3. Emilio Aguinaldo

A evolutionary, politician, and military leader. He was the first and the youngest president of the Philippines.

4. Lapu-lapu

The first recorded hero in Philippine history. Lapu-lapu was the first to fight against the Spaniards led by Ferdinand Magellan.

5. Marcelo H. Del Pilar

Also known by his pen name Plaridel , Del Pilar was one of the leaders of the Reform Movement and the editor of La Solidaridad , succeeding Lopez-Jaena.

6. Antonio Luna

One of the fiercest Filipino generals. Luna made the “Luna Sharpshooters”, the “Black Guard”, and a three-tier defense now known as the “Luna Defense Line”.

7. Juan Luna

A Filipino painter, sculptor, and a political activist. He is the older brother of Antonio and made the famous Spoliarium .

8. Apolinario Mabini

Mabini is the first Prime Minister of the Philippines and was also known as the Utak ng Himagsikan (Brains of Revolution).

9. Melchora Aquino

Also known as “ Tandang Sora “, Aquino used her store as a refuge for the sick and wounded revolutionaries. She is known as the “Grand Woman of the Revolution” and the “Mother of Balintawak”.

10. Sultan Muhammad Kudarat

The 7th Sultan of Maguindanao. Kudarat hindered the influence of Roman Catholicism in the island of Mindanao.

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• Philippines
• The Life And Legacy Of...

The Life and Legacy of José Rizal: National Hero of the Philippines

Dr. José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, is not only admired for possessing intellectual brilliance but also for taking a stand and resisting the Spanish colonial government. While his death sparked a revolution to overthrow the tyranny, Rizal will always be remembered for his compassion towards the Filipino people and the country.

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Humble beginnings

José Protasio Rizal Mercado Y Alonso Realonda was born on June 19, 1861 to Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonzo in the town of Calamba in the province of Laguna. He had nine sisters and one brother. At the early age of three, the future political leader had already learned the English alphabet. And, by the age of five, José could already read and write.

Upon enrolling at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila (now referred to as Ateneo De Manila University ), he dropped the last three names in his full name, after his brother’s advice – hence, being known as José Protasio Rizal. His performance in school was outstanding – winning various poetry contests, impressing his professors with his familiarity of Castilian and other foreign languages, and crafting literary essays that were critical of the Spanish historical accounts of pre-colonial Philippine societies.

A man with multiple professions

While he originally obtained a land surveyor and assessor’s degree in Ateneo, Rizal also took up a preparatory course on law at the University of Santo Tomas (UST). But when he learned that his mother was going blind, he decided to switch to medicine school in UST and later on specialized in ophthalmology. In May 1882, he decided to travel to Madrid in Spain , and earned his Licentiate in Medicine at the Universidad Central de Madrid.

Apart from being known as an expert in the field of medicine, a poet, and an essayist, Rizal exhibited other amazing talents. He knew how to paint, sketch, and make sculptures. Because he lived in Europe for about 10 years, he also became a polyglot – conversant in 22 languages. Aside from poetry and creative writing, Rizal had varying degrees of expertise in architecture, sociology, anthropology, fencing, martial arts, and economics to name a few.

His novels awakened Philippine nationalism

Rizal had been very vocal against the Spanish government, but in a peaceful and progressive manner. For him, “the pen was mightier than the sword.” And through his writings, he exposed the corruption and wrongdoings of government officials as well as the Spanish friars.

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While in Barcelona, Rizal contributed essays, poems, allegories, and editorials to the Spanish newspaper, La Solidaridad. Most of his writings, both in his essays and editorials, centered on individual rights and freedom, specifically for the Filipino people . As part of his reforms, he even called for the inclusion of the Philippines to become a province of Spain.

But, among his best works , two novels stood out from the rest – Noli Me Tángere (Touch Me Not) and El Filibusterismo ( The Reign of the Greed).

In both novels, Rizal harshly criticized the Spanish colonial rule in the country and exposed the ills of Philippine society at the time. And because he wrote about the injustices and brutalities of the Spaniards in the country, the authorities banned Filipinos from reading the controversial books. Yet they were not able to ban it completely. As more Filipinos read the books, their eyes opened to the truth that they were suffering unspeakable abuses at the hands of the friars. These two novels by Rizal, now considered his literary masterpieces, are said to have indirectly sparked the Philippine Revolution.

Rizal’s unfateful days

Upon his return to the Philippines, Rizal formed a progressive organization called the La Liga Filipina. This civic movement advocated social reforms through legal means. Now Rizal was considered even more of a threat by the Spanish authorities (alongside his novels and essays), which ultimately led to his exile in Dapitan in northern Mindanao .

This however did not stop him from continuing his plans for reform. While in Dapitan, Rizal built a school, hospital, and water system. He also taught farming and worked on agricultural projects such as using abaca to make ropes.

In 1896, Rizal was granted leave by then Governor-General Blanco, after volunteering to travel to Cuba to serve as doctor to yellow fever victims. But at that time, the Katipunan had a full-blown revolution and Rizal was accused of being associated with the secret militant society. On his way to Cuba, he was arrested in Barcelona and sent back to Manila to stand for trial before the court martial. Rizal was charged with sedition, conspiracy, and rebellion – and therefore, sentenced to death by firing squad.

Days before his execution, Rizal bid farewell to his motherland and countrymen through one of his final letters, entitled Mi último adiós or My Last Farewell. Dr. José Rizal was executed on the morning of December 30, 1896, in what was then called Bagumbayan (now referred to as Luneta). Upon hearing the command to shoot him, he faced the squad and uttered in his final breath: “ Consummatum est” (It is finished). According to historical accounts , only one bullet ended the life of the Filipino martyr and hero.

His legacy lives on

After his death, the Philippine Revolution continued until 1898. And with the assistance of the United States , the Philippines declared its independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. This was the time that the Philippine flag was waved at General Emilio Aguinaldo’s residence in Kawit, Cavite.

Today, Dr. Rizal’s brilliance, compassion, courage, and patriotism are greatly remembered and recognized by the Filipino people. His two novels are continuously being analyzed by students and professionals.

Colleges and universities in the Philippines even require their students to take a subject which centers around the life and works of Rizal. Every year, the Filipinos celebrate Rizal Day – December 30 each year – to commemorate his life and works. Filipinos look back at how his founding of La Liga Filipina and his two novels had an effect on the early beginnings of the Philippine Revolution. The people also recognize his advocacy to achieve liberty through peaceful means rather than violent revolution.

In honor of Rizal, memorials and statues of the national hero can be found not only within the Philippines, but in selected cities around the world. A road in the Chanakyapuri area of New Delhi (India) and in Medan, Indonesia is named after him. The José Rizal Bridge and Rizal Park in the city of Seattle are also dedicated to the late hero.

Within the Philippines, there are streets, towns/cities, a university (Rizal University), and a province named after him. Three species have also been named after Rizal – the Draco rizali (a small lizard, known as a flying dragon), Apogania rizali (a very rare kind of beetle with five horns) and the Rhacophorus rizali (a peculiar frog species).

To commemorate what he did for the country, the Philippines built a memorial park for him – now referred to as Rizal Park, found in Manila . There lies a monument which contains a standing bronze sculpture of Rizal, an obelisk, and a stone base said to contain his remains. The monument stands near the place where he fell during his execution in Luneta.

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Philippine Heroes 101: Recommended Reads

Books, essays, and critiques about our national heroes, curated and recommended by Filipino historians.

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Overseas Filipino Workers: The Modern-Day Heroes of the Philippines

Bayani is the Tagalog term for “hero.” In the Philippines, a bayani is someone who is courageous, humble, and selfless. They pursue causes that are greater than themselves, such as those impacting a community, a nation, or the environment. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) is a term referring to Filipino migrant workers, individuals who have left their homes to work abroad and provide comfortable lives for their families. Referring to these workers, former President Corazon Aquino coined the phrase ‘Bagong-Bayani’ in 1988. OFWs are the country’s modern-day heroes because they not only boost the Philippines’ economy through remittances but are figures of resilience. OFWs endure homesickness, personal sacrifices, and horrible working conditions in order to support their families back home.

By the Numbers

The Philippine Statistic Authority estimates that about 1.83 million OFWs worked abroad from April to September 2021. The same data reveal that about “four in every ten” OFWs work low-status or ‘ elementary ’ jobs, such as street vendors, construction and factory workers, cleaners, domestic helpers, and agriculture laborers. A majority of OFWs work in Asia, specifically Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Singapore, and Qatar.

Because of their major contribution to the growth and development of the Philippine economy, OFWs are revered as the nation's economic heroes. According to data released by the Central Bank of the Philippines, remittances from OFWs reached a record high in December of last year: from the previous all-time high of US$34.88 billion, it rose by 3.6 percent to a record high US$36.14 billion in 2022.

“OFW remittances, at new record highs on a monthly basis, are a bright spot for the Philippine economy in terms of spurring consumer spending, which accounts for at least 75 percent of the economy, and in turn, support faster economic growth,” Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief economist Michael Ricafort said .

Furthermore, most OFWs are Filipina women. The numbers clearly show that women dominate the workforce, accounting for approximately 60 percent of OFWs. According to data from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, at least 18,002, or 75.05 percent of the 23,986 cases of abuse and other incidents involving workers in the Gulf Cooperation Council that were reported last year included female OFWs. On the other hand, male OFWs were involved in only 5,984 cases, or 24.95 percent of all cases.

These women are disproportionately more likely to suffer from terrible working conditions, as they are often subjected to abuse, excessive work, little pay, rape, or worse, being killed by their foreign employers. The International Labour Office published a working paper titled Philippines: Good Practices for the Protection of Filipino Women Migrant Workers in Vulnerable Jobs explaining that “Gender-based discrimination intersects with discrimination based on other forms of  ‘otherness’ – such as non-national status, race, ethnicity, religion, economic status – placing women migrants in situations of double, triple or even fourfold discrimination, disadvantage or vulnerability to exploitation and abuse.”

In 2020, there were 23,714 documented cases of contract violations involving the maltreatment of OFWs, according to data provided by the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices, and approximately 5,000 of these cases were reported from Middle Eastern countries. According to the Philippine Information Agency, Filipina women who work in the Middle East are subjected to the “ kafala ” system, which ties foreign workers to their employers. Under this framework, employers could easily lock domestic workers inside their houses and seize their phones, passports, and visas until the expiration of their contracts.

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) published a comprehensive report titled “ ‘I Already Bought You’ Abuse and Exploitation of Female Migrant Domestic Workers in the United Arab Emirates,” which explains real-world examples of how the UAE’s kafala system of visa sponsorship binds migrant employees to their employers and how the exclusion of domestic workers from labor law protections exposes them to abuse.

The report included interviews with 99 female domestic workers in the UAE between November and December 2013. 22 of the 99 domestic helpers questioned by HRW claimed to have experienced physical abuse at the hands of their sponsors.

“They slap me in the face and kick me. They have a stick for you. If I make a small mistake they would hit parts of my body—back legs, back, and head. Sir would slap or punch me in the face. If they come back from the mall and I am not finished they would beat me,” Shelly A., a 30-year-old Filipina worker said. “They would say, ‘If you had done work then we won’t hit you.’ ”

Injustices in Kuwait

Currently, there are over 268,000 OFWs who live and work in Kuwait with 88 percent of them working as domestic helpers and 73 percent of them being female. According to the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), there were over 24,000 cases of abuse and violation against OFWs in 2022—a significant rise from 6,500 in 2016.

It is a significant sacrifice to work abroad. Being physically and emotionally thousands of miles away from one’s family for an indefinite period is challenging, isolating, and suffocating. Rowena, a 54-year-old Filipina worker in Bahrain found herself feeling “trapped” due to canceled flights to the Philippines because of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as being underpaid by her employer. “I don’t want to make trouble. I want to go home,” Rowena said .

Beyond this, many OFWs also work abroad without knowledge of the future or the dangers they may encounter in a foreign country. Even worse, a harsh truth of working abroad is that a number of OFWs return home as dead bodies.

In January of 2023, Jullebee Ranara , a Filipina domestic helper living in Kuwait, confided in her family over the phone that she was terrified of her employer's 17-year-old son. The 35-year-old appeared to have vanished by the next day, which prompted her friends in the Gulf state to share their worries about her disappearance on social media.

Less than 24 hours later, on Jan. 21, 2023, her body was found dead, with burnt remains and a smashed skull found beside a desert near Al-Salmi Road.

Ranara was discovered to be pregnant after an autopsy, and DNA samples taken from the unborn child were confirmed to match the accused, who is the 17-year-old son of Ranara’s boss. After being apprehended, the 17-year-old perpetrator confessed to his crime.

Since 2018, there have been at least four murders of OFWs in Kuwait that have garnered national attention, including the case of 29-year-old Joanna Demafelis , whose body was kept secret in a freezer in an abandoned apartment for nearly two years. Her employers, a Syrian and a Lebanese couple, received death sentences for the murder of the victim.

In 2019, 47-year-old Constancia Lago Dayag was discovered dead after being sexually abused and beaten to death by her boss. The same year, 26-year-old Jeanelyn Villavende passed away from serious injuries inflicted by her boss, who was ultimately given a death sentence for the murder.

“These are only the high-profile ones,” Migrante International chairperson Joanna Concepcion told VICE World News. “There are other cases that are not visible. The public is not made aware of the real gravity of the rampant abuses faced by Filipino domestic helpers in Kuwait.”

Actions taken by the Philippine Government

A week after the discovery of Jullebee’s body, her remains were returned to her grieving family in Las Piñas, Philippines. Without delay, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. attended Jullebee’s wake and promised to provide the deceased’s family with all aid possible.

“I just wanted to offer my sympathies to the family and to assure them that all the assistance that they might need for the family and for whatever else, that is my promise to them,” Marcos Jr. remarked . “Their child made that sacrifice to work abroad because she has dreams for her family here.”

Recently, the DMW issued a deployment ban on new and aspiring OFWs in Kuwait, following the increasing reports of work mistreatment, including the horrific murder of Ranara.

“In order to strengthen the protection of the rights of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Kuwait, particularly workers who are most vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, action on the applications of first-time agency-hire domestic workers bound for Kuwait is temporarily deferred effective immediately,” the DMWs said in a statement on Feb. 8, 2023.

Senator and Committee on Migrant Workers Chairperson Raffy Tulfo proposed a total deployment ban in Kuwait. “We can enter into bilateral agreements but our terms should be clear and unequivocal. If there are violators to such agreements, we have to prioritize the welfare of our overseas Filipino workers and act at the soonest possible time. Make these violators accountable and liable without concession and pursuant to our laws and international conventions,” Tulfo said in a senate inquiry.

The DMW was also tasked with working with the Department of Foreign Affairs to communicate to the Kuwaiti government the "sentiments and concerns" of the Filipino people regarding all recurrent incidents of physical and financial abuse, failure to pay monetary benefits, as well as murder committed against OFWs after the deployment ban went into effect.

The deployment ban was not well received by migrant advocacy groups, who claimed it would not provide a permanent solution to the issues surrounding labor migration. They claimed that placing bans for an extended period of time would encourage OFWs to turn to illicit means and consequently put themselves at risk for human trafficking in their desperation to find jobs abroad.

“What about the already-deployed Filipinos? Are there any steps being taken to protect them and make sure they do not suffer the same fate as Julleebee and the others?” Concepcion said to Maritime Fairtrade News. “These problems cannot be resolved with a deployment ban. The Philippine government has imposed bans many times before, but lifted them soon after when the particular cases of abuse or murder had been resolved by the courts and the perpetrators punished by death penalty or long-term imprisonment. When the deployment restarts, the abuses also start all over again.”

Much Needed Reform

OFWs often serve as the backbone of their families back home. Based on the results of a survey published by the Social Weather Stations , they found that 7 percent of Filipino households have an OFW who helps support the family. In addition, seventy-five percent of households frequently receive money from their OFW family members.

It would be difficult and inconsiderate to discourage or ban OFWs from going abroad for work. To promote a better quality of life for OFWs, the Philippine government must enact concrete policies aimed at protecting the welfare of Filipino workers. Advocacy groups, such as Migrante International are urging for reforms, including the abolition of the kafala system, which has resulted in complete employer control over domestic workers and OFWs.

For Concepcion, the country’s over-reliance on OFWs remittances is equivalent to the perpetuation of the violation and murder of Filipino workers. She believes that a viable solution to this issue involves ending the government’s labor export program and creating decent jobs domestically through meaningful land reform and national industrialization.

“The government’s determination to continue its labor export policy is totally misguided. What it should do is implement immediate measures to protect our domestic workers and OFWs abroad and long-term measures to generate decent jobs in the Philippines,” Concepcion said . “We need to end the government’s Labor Export Program and instead ensure that more jobs are created at home. Filipinos won’t have to leave the country and their families to risk their lives abroad if they have gainful and secure employment here.”

It is clear that OFWs live up to the definition of a bayani and are now considered heroes of the Philippines. However, under the shiny title of ‘bagong bayani’ lies a dark and unfortunate reality. Numerous Filipino workers suffer from various injustices including being overworked, underpaid, abused, raped, and even worse, murdered. The only way OFWs can truly be safeguarded is if the Philippine government enforces concrete and actionable policies. With this, OFWs could avoid the potential death sentence of working abroad and have the chance to be treated as they deserve to be: as modern-day heroes.

Laurinne Jamie Eugenio

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Who is Rizal? : A compilation of Argumentative Essays on the "National Hero"

Looking into works of historians/scholars such as Ocampo, Constantino, and Joaquin, this series of essays aims to discuss the different perspectives towards Rizal in terms of his upbringing and heroism. Consequently, the frameworks that drive these historians/scholars' works are also brought to light in these papers.

Related Papers

Daphne Baybayan

Emman Ray Rodriguez

Jestoni B . Castro

This is a reflection paper questioning the position of Dr. Jose Rizal as the Philippines national hero. This paper do not have the intention to disrespect Rizal but more often that he should not the only national hero that Philippines must have. Let always put in our mind that an opinion without respect on the other side is not an opinion it was a mere foolishness of a man.

Althea Hannah D . Deloso

Jose Rizal, a pivotal figure in Philippine history, emerges as a symbol of enlightenment, resilience, and national identity. Born in 1861 during Spanish colonial rule, Rizal became a versatile nationalist and reformist, advocating for Philippine independence through his writings. "The First Filipino" by Leon Ma. Guerrero, a 1963 biography, offers a comprehensive exploration of Rizal's life, highlighting his influence on Philippine history and the ongoing struggle for freedom. This abstract delves into Rizal's childhood and education, revealing the significant impact of his family and the colonial environment on his intellectual growth. It explores his conflicts within the oppressive educational system in the Philippines and his decision to pursue foreign education in Spain, where he developed a profound understanding of colonialism's destructive nature. The abstract further examines Rizal's role in fostering nationalist expression through his novels, acting as powerful tools for social change and inspiring a generation of reformists and revolutionaries. Rizal's strategic opposition to Spanish colonialism, emphasizing nonviolent tactics and intellectual resistance, is explored, highlighting his role in founding the Liga Filipina and his subsequent exile to Dapitan. Jose Rizal's lasting legacy and significance in Philippine history are discussed, emphasizing his influence on succeeding generations and the global resonance of his views on justice and human rights. His life, works, and sacrifices continue to inspire the fight for justice, liberty, and patriotism, making him a revered national hero in the Philippines. The abstract concludes by acknowledging Rizal's enduring impact and his place in the rich tapestry of Philippine history.

Edward A . Despabiladeras

Juan Ma. Guerrero's "The First Filipino" delves into the life, struggles, and enduring legacy of Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. This comprehensive critical paper, exceeding 2500 words, meticulously unravels Rizal's journey from an elite reformist to a fervent nationalist. Guerrero's narrative navigates through Rizal's formative years, education, and experiences abroad, offering a nuanced exploration of the complexities surrounding his identity, privilege, and commitment to justice. The paper examines Rizal's pivotal role in challenging Spanish colonialism through his literary masterpieces, "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo." Guerrero's work extends beyond a conventional biography, becoming a reflective mirror that prompts contemporary Filipinos to question inherited narratives and actively participate in shaping a society founded on principles of equality, justice, and authentic freedom.

Elaine Carigma

This critical papers tackles on the Life and Works of Rizal based on the biography book written by Leon Maria Guerrero entitled, "The First Filipino"

This reflection paper critically explores the dichotomy surrounding Jose Rizal's status as a hero in Philippine nationalism. Initiated during early university studies and influenced by Renato Constantino's essay, "Veneration Without Understanding," the paper navigates through the complexities of Rizal's heroism, challenging the idealized narrative ingrained in early education. The discourse on Rizal's heroism, fueled by fervent debates, reveals a societal divide between veneration and condemnation. Comprehensive explorations delve into Rizal's opposition to the revolution, American sponsorship influence, and the intricacies of his legacy, prompting a nuanced understanding. The paper reflects on hero-worship, American colonization strategies, and Rizal's multifaceted character. It also contemplates the broader concept of heroism, urging a shift from historical pedestals to contemporary struggles. The abstract concludes by emphasizing the democratic nature of heroism, encouraging collective efforts for a more just society and recognizing the potential within each individual to contribute to the ongoing narrative of Filipino nationhood.

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Lorie Villanueva

John Vincent Cruz

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5 Young Pinoy Heroes Who Did Amazing Things Nobody Talks About

Our history is a gallery full of courageous young achievers.

At 29, Emilio Aguinaldo became our nation’s first and youngest president. By the time the first edition of the groundbreaking  Noli Me Tangere  was published in Germany in 1887, Jose Rizal was in his mid-20s, a period during which majority of us still grapples with a quarter life crisis.

Also Read:  Meet the Terrifying Moro Warriors and Heroes of WWII

Surely, history books have no shortage of great men and women who used the stamina of their youth to the nation’s advantage. If there’s anything good that our long history of struggle under foreign rule has taught us, that would be the universal truth that greatness knows no age.

Let’s take a look at the legacies of some forgotten young Filipino heroes who chose to follow their calling, and accomplished things that are far bigger than themselves.

1. Lt. Cesar Fernando Basa.

Best remembered as: The 26-year-old Atenean pilot who became a WWII hero.

Early years: Just like the great Antonio Luna, Cesar Fernando Basa initially took interest in science. A native of Isabela in Negros Occidental, the bright-eyed Basa studied chemistry at the Ateneo, where he also excelled in basketball. After graduating in 1939, he took a flying course at the Philippine Army and became a full-fledged pilot a year later.

Also Read:  The 10 Most Fearsome One-Man Armies in Philippine History

Defining moments: Second Lieutenant Basa’s skills were put to the test when he was assigned in Batangas in 1941 under Capt. Jesus Villamor. On December 12 of that year, Villamor and five other pilots were returning from a surveillance mission when 54 enemy planes appeared and threatened to bring them down. But Villamor gave them a hard time as he led his men in aerial combat against the Japanese planes.

Even with fuel running out, Basa maneuvered his plane to join others in the battle. However, halfway to the location, seven Japanese fighters intercepted and shot his plane down. Basa died a WWII hero at the age of 26. An air base in Floridablanca, Pampanga was named in his honor.

2. Isabelo del Rosario.

Best remembered as: The 22-year-old martyr who played violin moments before his execution.

Early years:  Isabelo del Rosario y Tuazon, or  Bikong , was born in San Fernando, Pampanga on July 8, 1878. He grew up to be a great violinist and often played the popular danzas and kundimans of his time.

At the outbreak of Revolution, the teenage Isabelo joined the Katipunan and later became a  Kapitan  of its local chapter. He married Emilia Abad Santos y Basco, sister of future Supreme Court Justice and WWII hero, Jose Abad Santos. The couple had two sons–Pastor and Agapito.

Also Read:  Meet Bambalito, The First Warrior-Hero Who Died Fighting For Our Freedom

Defining moments: When the Americans took over the Philippines, Isabelo was among those who opposed their presence in the country. He perfectly summarized the sentiments of most Filipinos that time when he said:  “Den ela sasaup…sasakup la” (they did not come to help, but to conquer).

As he did during the Revolution,  Kapitan Bikong  led other Kapampangans in a relentless fight to bring back the independence robbed by the Americans. Even an offer of amnesty didn’t deter him. Years of resistance came to an end when Isabelo was captured by the Americans at Sapa Libutad in Mexico town. He was soon sentenced to die by hanging.

His final moments read like a dramatic movie: On April 12, 1901, the day of his execution, Isabelo requested to play his violin for the very last time. As he walked towards the gallows at the plaza, the Kapampangan violinist played a heartbreaking rendition of  “Danza Habanera de Filipina,” after which he smashed the instrument at the very foot of the said gallows.

Kapitan Bikong  died for his country at the young age of 22.

3. Lt. Delfin Rosales.

Best remembered as: The 22-year-old WWII hero who lost his life saving a wounded comrade.

Early years: Delfin was the youngest of three sons of Lorenzo I. Rosales, known in his lifetime as “Siling Layas,” and Angelica Camacho.

The cruelty of WWII convinced the three boys to join the crusade to defend the country from the Japanese. Delfin’s older brothers, Esteban and Lorenzo, were the first ones to join the war. They survived the Death March and later served as a Naga City councilor and a lawyer, respectively. Delfin, meanwhile, became part of the Philippine Army Air Corps (PAAC) or the Allied Intelligence Bureau (AIB).

An interesting anecdote by Monserrat Jordana shares how the young Delfin stood up to an officer who belittled Filipinos during the early part of Japanese Occupation. While others trembled in fear, Delfin reportedly confronted him and was quoted saying “We Filipinos are not cowards. We know how to fight, and when the right time comes, we know on whose side we will fight .”

Also Read:  The 10 Most Incredible Filipina Warriors of WWII

Defining moments: On April 9, 1945, Major Juan Q. Miranda led the guerrilla forces of Camarines Sur in an attack that would liberate Naga. Delfin took the helm of a combat platoon of the 7th AIB/PAAC Unit, putting his self in the front line along with others as they relentlessly attacked the enemy garrison.

Delfin also rendered first aid to some of his wounded soldiers. In fact, when he found a wounded Philippine Scout at the western side of the bridge at Panganiban, Delfin didn’t waste time in pulling him to safety–even if it meant risking his own life.

As he rushed to save the stranger’s life, Delfin was hit by three sniper bullets, one of which pierced through his chest. The young Bicolano hero died afterward, lifting his two fingers to make a victory sign moments before he expired.

For his selfless act of saving a wounded comrade, Delfin was given a posthumous Golden Cross Award, making him one of only two Bicolano guerrillas to receive such recognition. The bridge near the spot where Delfin sacrificed his life was also named after him.

4. Capt. Delfin Velilla.

Best remembered as: The promising medical student and violinist who helped make explosives for the Katipunan.

Early years: The second Delfin on this list was born on March 1, 1868, in Balangkas, Polo (now Valenzuela) to parents Luis Velilla, a violinist, and “Aling Pepiang,” a store owner.

Just like his father, Delfin also nurtured a passion for playing the violin. He also aspired to be a doctor and was on his way to earning a medical degree from the UST when the Revolution broke out.

Defining moments: Delfin’s plan to be a doctor was cut short when he joined the Katipunan in Polo under the leadership of Cornelio Lozada. Their ‘balangay’ was composed of 200 men armed with bolos and pointed bamboos–but they’re lacking in ammunition. Soon, Delfin and someone named Tiburcio de Leon was tasked to secretly create explosives and dynamite for the revolutionary group.

After the Revolution broke out in 1896, Lozada and his men faced numerous enemy attacks, prompting them to jump from one place to another to seek refuge. From Pasong Balite , they moved to Novaliches before retreating to San Jose Del Monte and finally, Norzagaray. It was in this final stop where their group was absorbed by the unit headed by another young leader–Col. Gregorio H. del Pilar.

Also Read:  11 Things You Never Knew About Gregorio Del Pilar

Del Pilar and Velilla soon became the closest of friends, often seen serenading girls in the area with del Pilar on the guitars while Velilla plays his violin.

Things took an ugly turn during the early years of the Philippine-American War. After a defeat in Caloocan, del Pilar led his men to Bulacan where they were engaged in yet another bloody battle.

The Battle of Sta. Rita in Guiguinto took many casualties, including the 31-year-old Delfin Velilla who was later buried in the cemetery of Quingua (now Plaridel). A statue of him was later installed in Baranggay Arkong Bato in his hometown of Valenzuela.

5. Teodoro Salanga Jr.

Best remembered as: The 6-year-old “shoeshine boy” who smuggled food and medicine to save WWII prisoners.

Defining moments: As the victorious Japanese started to punish Allied soldiers with inhumane prison conditions, one man decided to help. He opened a restaurant and secretly cooked food to be smuggled to the suffering POWs. His 6-year-old son Teodoro Salanga Jr., barely aware of the magnitude of what was happening, served as his delivery boy.

Also Read:  The Filipino Boy Who Became A WWII Hero At 11 Years Old

For two years, Salanga and his sisters would sneak food and medicines into the prison camps. Salanga would usually crawl under the barbed wire surrounding the prison and use a stick “to lift the wire over his body.” Sometimes, he would pretend to be a “shoeshine boy” and put medicine and food inside his pockets or in a pillowcase.

The medicine he helped deliver saved the lives of many American prisoners, most of whom suffered from late-stage malaria and beriberi, a disorder caused by Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency.

Salanga survived the war and later worked as a civil engineer for American communications firms in Vietnam. He married a Vietnamese and had three children together. In 1979, Salanga came to the United States to visit her sister, Josephine Salanga Britt, who married one of the American POWs they helped during the war.

Armed with only a temporary visa , Salanga faced threats of deportation when the embassy refused to grant him permanent resident status. Fortunately, several Americans advocated preventing his deportation, among them, were Myrri McBride and Evan D. Johnson, two former POWs whose lives were saved because of the Salanga family’s act of kindness.

Barrameda, J. (2014). Lt. Delfin C. Rosales: An authentic Bikolnon hero . Bicol Mail . Retrieved 3 July 2016, from http://goo.gl/qushfX

Castro, A. (2008). Kapitan Bikong: A Revolucionario in the Family . Views from the Pampang . Retrieved 3 July 2016, from http://goo.gl/mcixqq

Cruz, I. (1985). Gregorio H. Del Pilar: Idol of the Revolution (pp. 120-121). Samahang Pangkalinangan ng Bulakan, Bulakan.

Diary of Felipe Buencamino III . The Philippine Diary Project . Retrieved 3 July 2016, from https://goo.gl/cmSJHb

Isabelo del Rosario. Singsing Magazine , 33.

Ocala Star-Banner,. (1984). Filipino Hero Salanga Feeling Free, p. 3B. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/rAdRXV

The Ledger,. (1984). U.S. pulls up welcome mat on Filipino hero, p. 5B. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/SYlL5a

Written by FilipiKnow

in Facts & Figures , History & Culture

Last Updated January 21, 2022 01:23 PM

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Revolutionary Heroes of the Philippines

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Spanish conquistadors reached the islands of the Philippines in 1521. They named the country after King Philip II of Spain in 1543, pressing to colonize the archipelago despite such setbacks as the 1521 death of Ferdinand Magellan , killed in battle by Lapu-Lapu's troops on Mactan Island.

From 1565 to 1821, the Viceroyalty of New Spain ruled the Philippines from Mexico City. In 1821, Mexico became independent, and Spain's government in Madrid took direct control of the Philippines.

During the period between 1821 and 1900, Filipino nationalism took root and grew into an active anti-imperial revolution. When the United States defeated Spain in the Spanish-American War of 1898, the Philippines did not gain its independence but instead became an American possession. As a result, the guerrilla war against foreign imperialism simply changed the target of its fury from Spanish rule to American rule.

Three key leaders inspired or led the Filipino Independence movement. The first two - Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio - would give their young lives for the cause. The third, Emilio Aguinaldo, not only survived to become the first president of the Philippines but also lived on into his mid-90s.

Jose Rizal was a brilliant and multi-talented man. He was a doctor, a novelist, and the founder of La Liga , a peaceful anti-colonial pressure group that met just one time in 1892 before the Spanish authorities arrested Rizal.

Jose Rizal inspired his followers, including the fiery rebel Andres Bonifacio, who attended that single original La Liga meeting and reestablished the group after Rizal's arrest. Bonifacio and two associates also tried to rescue Rizal from a Spanish ship in Manila Harbor in the summer of 1896. By December, however, the 35-year-old Rizal was tried in a sham military tribunal and executed by a Spanish firing squad.

Andres Bonifacio

Andres Bonifacio, from an impoverished lower-middle-class family in Manila, joined Jose Rizal's peaceful La Liga group but also believed that the Spanish had to be driven from the Philippines by force. He founded the Katipunan rebel group, which declared independence from Spain in 1896 and surrounded Manila with guerrilla fighters.

Bonifacio was instrumental in organizing and energizing the opposition to Spanish rule. He declared himself president of the newly independent Philippines, although his claim was not recognized by any other country. In fact, even other Filipino rebels challenged Bonifacio's right to the presidency, since the young leader did not have a university degree.

Just one year after the Katipunan movement began its revolt, Andres Bonifacio was executed at the age of 34 by a fellow rebel, Emilio Aguinaldo.

Emilio Aguinaldo

Emilio Aguinaldo's family was relatively wealthy and held political power in the city of Cavite, on a narrow peninsula that juts out into Manila Bay. Aguinaldo's comparatively privileged situation afforded him the opportunity to get a good education, just as Jose Rizal had done.

Aguinaldo joined Andres Bonifacio's Katipunan movement in 1894 and became general of the Cavite area when open war broke out in 1896. He had better military success than Bonifacio and looked down upon the self-appointed president for his lack of education.

This tension came to a head when Aguinaldo rigged elections and declared himself president in place of Bonifacio. By the end of that same year, Aguinaldo would have Bonifacio executed after a sham trial.

Aguinaldo went into exile in late 1897, after surrendering to the Spanish, but was brought back to the Philippines by American forces in 1898 to join in the fight that ousted Spain after almost four centuries. Aguinaldo was recognized as the first president of the independent Republic of the Philippines but was forced back into the mountains as a rebel leader once more when the Filipino-American War broke out in 1901.

• Philippine-American War: Causes and Consequences
• Biography of Emilio Aguinaldo, Filipino Independence Leader
• Biography of Andrés Bonifacio, Filipino Revolutionary Leader
• Biography of Antonio Luna, Hero of the Philippine-American War
• Profile of Emilio Jacinto of the Philippines
• Treaty of Paris 1898: The End of the Spanish-American War
• Biography of José Rizal, National Hero of the Philippines
• The Philippines: Facts and History
• Biography of Apolinario Mabini, Philippines' First Prime Minister
• The Philippines: Geography and Fact Sheet
• When Did Puerto Rico Become a US Territory?
• Garret Hobart
• Major Battles of Mexico's Independence From Spain
• Manuel Quezon of the Philippines
• Spanish-American War: Battle of Manila Bay
• The Spanish-American War

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Be proud of being a Filipino (even if it’s not easy)

Editor’s Note: In celebration of the Philippines’ 117th Independence Day, INQUIRER.net is publishing short essays submitted by our readers.

Gemma Louise Heaton, a teacher at The Lord of Grace Christian School, asked students under her History and Social Studies classes to answer our question: “What’s the best that you have done for our country?” Here are their responses.

‘Be proud of being a Filipino’

What is the best the thing I have done for my country? I actually don’t know because at my age, it is impossible to do something big. Then I realized it isn’t important on how big it is. I think the best thing I’ve done for my country is to be proud that I am a Filipino.

Being proud that I am a Filipino is not quite easy. Sometimes, I even doubt it because of our government. The people have to rally on the streets to get what they want. I feel like it is telling me that we have to go to war first before we can gain peace. When I was in Grade 7, we studied Philippine history. I then appreciated peace. It was not just about the Filipinos fighting the Spanish but how we fought for our independence.

Now, if someone will ask me what is the best thing that I have done for our country, I will tell him or her that I am proud to be a Filipino.

–  Jen Denielle R. Hernandez, Grade 9

‘Give respect’

There are many heroes and heroines who have done big things for the Philippines: Andres Bonifacio, who sacrificed and gave everything for the sake of the Philippines; Melchora Aquino, who risked her life to help the Katipuneros; Dr. Jose Rizal, who is our national hero, and others who sacrificed their lives.

But what is the best thing a 13-year-old girl has done and can do for her country? I am not a mother who is a hero for neither her child nor a father who is a hero for his son. I am just a sophomore student, a girl who knows nothing but to eat, sleep, surf the Internet, watch television and fan-girl over Daniel Padilla. The things I have done for my country so far are to make my parents proud and to give respect. I study to make my parents, as well as my teachers, proud. It is not easy to make a person proud and, at the same time, happy.

I gave relief items to the victims of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” before. Yes, it is a big thing, but for me, giving respect is bigger. It is the biggest thing a 13-year-old girl can do and give. Giving respect, for me, is the sister of loving and loving is the root of caring.

Giving respect is the best thing I have done for my country and for the people around me.

–  Maureen Omanito, Grade 8

‘Study our history, teach it to others’

What’s the best that I have done for my beautiful, loving country? Even if I can’t die for my country like Andres Bonifacio and Dr. Jose Rizal, here are best things that I have done for my country and I will continue to do for my country: In our house, we separate biodegradable, degradable and recyclable trash. For that, I contribute to saving our environment. I also use “ po” and “ opo” because it is one of our Filipino traits well-known by people around the world.

But really, what is the best that I have done for our country? It is to study about its history so that I can teach it to the future young Filipino kids, that they will never forget where they belong. It doesn’t matter if what you’ve done for your country is big or small. Small things can become big things.

You don’t have to die for your country; you can simply do small things that will help the future of the Philippines.

 –  Marie Gold Vivien M. Totanes, Grade 8

‘Do good in school’

When people ask that question, the answer really depends on who you are asking. When you ask an adult, he/she would probably answer something like: “I have donated to charity” or “I have beggars on the street.” But as a sophomore student, and not a financially fortunate one at that, there is only so much I can do.

A lot of people say it doesn’t matter how old you are and stuff like that, “you can do anything if you put your mind to it.” But in my perspective, I am just a little girl who is lost in a big world. What is there for a 14-year-old to do that will improve our country? After all the ups and downs in my 14 years of existence, I guess the best I can do is to do good in school, succeed as a student and be an obedient daughter to my family.

If I am an honor student, I can graduate with honors, and graduating with a scholarship is my goal. If I can make to the Dean’s List, I will succeed in the career I want to pursue. If I am going to be a film director in the future, as an adult I can change or improve the country by directing inspirational or motivational films.

– Anna Maria Mikaela Almirez, Grade 8

‘Pray for the nation, embrace our culture’

Praying for our nation is the best I can contribute to our country. When we had our field trip at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, we were told not to fold the bills. By not folding our monetary bills, I am helping our economy. Embracing our culture is one of the best things I can do for our country.

–  Jean Lalaine F. Rubio, Grade 9

‘Help victims of calamities’

I, with my dad and sister, participated in the “World Wide Walk” fund run to help the people who were affected by a typhoon in the Visayas, a run that broke the Guinness World Record for having a huge number of participants. This event helped the victims of the typhoon in Samar and Leyte. If there are more events like this in the future, I’ll be there to participate and help.

–  VJ Bagani R. Villan, Grade 9

‘Save electricity’

I think the best thing I have done for my country is to save electricity since the Philippines has a power supply problem.   By simply turning off appliances when not in use, we are helping the country.

–  Aira Joy L. Bercero, Grade 10

‘Pick up litter’

As a student, the simple things I can do for my country will snowball to bigger things.   Something as simple as picking up candy wrappers affects us all. This should not be taken lightly, as throwing small things can lead to throwing bigger things. By picking up litter, if done little by little, we are also influencing others to do the same.

– Reimart C. Sarmiento, Grade 10

‘Grow up!’

Being a citizen is a little difficult for the reason that you have to follow the rules implemented by your country. We know that people hate to follow them; if you don’t you, could be sent to jail or you will have to pay the price. You have to submit to the authorities. You have to be responsible and you need to contribute in the simplest way that you can do for your country. Actually, as a citizen, you need to be aware and remember a few things or rules.

As a student, I believe the things that I can do for my country are limitless, as long as I believe in myself. Honestly, when I’m at home, I dislike following the house rules; sometimes, even when I am in school. When I’m outside, I throw garbage anywhere. But when I entered high school, I realized I have to stop these practices because it is childish. I need to grow up in order to contribute to my country. So, I started following the rules, regardless of where I am.

Therefore, I conclude that our society has a lot of problems right now and I’m aware there will be a lot more as time goes by. So stop being a burden in our society: Follow rules and submit to our authorities. Our society has a lot to face they may not be able to help you right now. Grow up!

–  Lois Corliss Q. Rivera, Grade 9

‘Make the right decisions’

Choosing what course to take up in college and which school to apply for are the main thoughts of a Grade 10 student like me, taking up exams in the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University and the University of Santo Tomas. Once we make the right decisions, we are doing the best we can do for our country.

–  Joan Ellaine F. Rubio, Grade 10

OTHER ESSAYS:

There is hope for Manila in Escolta

A nurse’s duty: Service and compassion above all else

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These Are The Brave Filipino Heroes You May Not Have Heard Of

August is a very patriotic month. Aside from being the month where we celebrate the more than a hundred languages that comprise our nation, this is also the month when we commemorate our heroes. And the Philippines is a nation of heroes. Big and small, thousands of brave men and women fought and sacrificed their lives for the Philippines.

Beyond the Rizals and Bonifacios , let's take a look at some of the lesser-known heroes you may not have heard of.

Santiago Alvarez Santiago

Virata Alvarez was born to a family of heroes: His father was General Mariano Alvarez and his cousin was Andres Bonifacio’s wife, Lakambini Gregoria de Jesus. Small wonder then that Alvarez was known as the Kidlat Apoy of the Katipunan.

Like most Katipuneros, his path to revolution wasn’t laid out. Born July 25, 1872 in Imus, Cavite, Alvarez's middle-class upbringing led him to teach in Manila, where he met Bonifacio and joined the Katipunan. From then on, his path became decidedly different.

When Revolution broke out in 1896, Alvarez heeded the call and took up arms, leading the forces of Bonifacio’s Magdiwang faction in Cavite. His skill in command allowed him to win a series of hard-fought battles in Noveleta, Naic, Maragondon, Magallanes, Tanza, Alfonso, Silang, Imus, and Francisco de Malabon (now General Trias). His finest hour, however, came in Dalahican.

It was his defense of Dalahican from Spanish assault that allowed the revolutionaries to secure Cavite. The battle lasted for 36 hours and was the bloodiest in the entire Revolution. At the end of the day, Alvarez stood tall. Cavite was liberated from colonial hands.

American invasion didn’t dim his revolutionary spirit. In 1901, he decided to form the Partido Nacionalista with fellow Katipuneros like Macario Sakay, in an effort to fight the Americans through parliamentary struggle. He continued to fan the flames of revolution, writing his memoirs, before passing away on October 30, 1930 after a bout of paralysis.

Alvarez wasn’t the only “Lightning” of the Revolution, however. Meet Pantaleon Villegas y Soli, the Lightning Lion of Cebu.

Leon was born on June 27, 1873 in Bacong, Negros Oriental and later came to Cebu looking for work. He held jobs in a drug store and a bakery before meeting a circus on its way to Manila. This encounter changed his life, as the owners of the circus were members of the Katipunan. He was recruited and joined the revolutionaries in Luzon.

Leon earned the epithet Kilat in the battles of Cavite, but it was in Cebu where he became a legend. In 1898, amid news of Aguinaldo’s return and plans to restart the Revolution, he went back to Cebu to organize the Katipuneros in the Visayas. Their plan was to launch an attack on Easter Sunday 1898.

The discovery of the plot by the Spaniards meant they had to improvise, and Kilat and his men were forced to attack one week early. They stormed Cebu on April 3 Palm Sunday, and waged a bloody street battle. Kilat showed his bravery and cunning when he and his men, armed with bolos , charged a unit of cazadores that pinned them down just as they were reloading. Kilat himself managed to behead the unit commander, a Lt. Cueto, while slicing another cazador ’s shoulder clean off his body.

Sadly, his success did not last. A Spanish counterattack forced Kilat to retreat from Cebu. By Holy Thursday, Kilat and his men were retreating in nearby Carcar. Some of his men, fearful of Spanish reprisal, betrayed Kilat while he slept. He was stabbed repeatedly and his skull was caved in by the butt of his own rifle. By 5 a.m., as the sun rose on Good Friday morning, Kilat’s body was laid bare in Carcar’s town square. He was dead.

Felipa Culala

American colonialism only made the old inequalities worse. Peasants in the countryside were ready to take up arms against the colonial oppressor, but December 8, 1941 would shake the country’s foundations once more when the Japanese decided to invade the country.

Just as the Japanese swiftly managed to take over the Philippines, the people didn’t hesitate to defend it. One of them was the Candaba, Pampanga activist Felipa Culala, who was better known by her nom de guerre , Dayang-Dayang.

She was described as a large, imposing figure, with a commanding demeanor. She took her alias from Hadji Dayang Dayang Piandao, the current ruler of Sulu at the time, and herself a woman that commanded respect. Culala herself demanded respect, and she was swiftly able to organize 35 men under her command.

When the Japanese came to Candaba and arrested some of her men, Dayang-Dayang didn’t hesitate to attack the jail and free them. The Japanese, wanting to punish the town, sent a detachment of soldiers and Filipino policemen, but Dayang-Dayang was ready. Her forces, now numbering 130, successfully ambushed the enemy before they could reach Candaba. They managed to kill 39 or 40 soldiers and 68 Filipino collaborators.

News spread quickly of the first successful ambush against the Japanese and the “Amazon” who led it, inspiring others to take up arms, as well. She even became a founding member of the Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon, the HUKBALAHAP guerrillas.

However, as the war dragged on, reports began to emerge of Dayang-Dayang’s excesses. She didn’t care for taking orders and demanded to be called Generala . Some reports even went as far as saying she acted like a Queen, demanding a feast of pork and chicken every time she entered a barrio . Eventually, the reports became too much and she was tried, found guilty, and executed by the Huks she helped found and inspire.

Victor Corpus

It’s December 29, 1970, and everybody in Baguio’s PMA arsenal was home for the holidays, or asleep and waiting for New Year’s. Everybody, except for 1st Lieutenant Victor Corpus, who spent the night cleaning out the armory. His deed done, he got on a waiting motorcycle and disappeared into the night. Lt. Corpus was gone; Ka Eming joined the New People’s Army.

Corpus was a brilliant instructor of the Philippine Military Academy. He joined the army in the belief that he could serve the people through it, not realizing what it really was: a tool for the rich to advance their interests. Corpus couldn’t stomach the corruption and abuse in the army. Once, he was ordered to assassinate a local official but instead informed the target of the plot against him.

He wasn’t alone in his disillusionment. The First Quarter Storm had student organizations like Kabataang Makabayan staging protests left and right in urban centers. In the countryside, the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army was gathering strength after the success of their “Great Rectification Movement.” Corpus saw this and decided to cast his lot with the communists, defecting on December 29, 1970.

His defection made him an instant celebrity. Corpus, now Ka Eming, showed that armed revolution was a viable solution to the grave discontent felt by Filipinos at the time. As a member of the NPA, he taught the cadres tactics while also directing offensives himself. He fanned the flames of revolution against the Marcos dictatorship until 1976, when he had another change of heart.

Lingering doubts about the revolution caused Corpus to defect once again, this time back to the military. He was jailed for 10 years and almost executed. In 1986, Cory Aquino pardoned him and reintegrated him into the army he despised as a younger man. 

Edgar Jopson

Not everybody believed in armed revolution, however. A large section of moderates also opposed the Marcos regime and believed that reforms are the key to attacking the forming dictatorship. The reformists were led by one of the greatest student activists of his generation, Edgar Jopson. As president of the National Union of Students of the Philippines, Jopson led the movement in demanding accountability from Marcos, even going as far as meeting with him in person.

Sadly, there was no space for reformists in the dictatorship. The suspension of the writ of habeas corpus and the declaration of Martial Law led Jopson to realize that it was impossible to fight the government from within. He became radicalized and eventually went underground as a member of the CPP.

Jopson embraced the revolutionary struggle, living among farmers and peasants and supporting the revolutionary movement to topple the Marcos regime. He became an influential labor leader, leading the La Todeña strike in 1974, the first strike during Martial Law. 

He was eventually arrested in 1979 at his home in Las Piñas. It did not take long for Jopson to use his skills in negotiating to pretend to agree to be an informant, before managing to escape. Fear of arrest didn’t weigh him down and he continued to work underground against the Marcos dictatorship until September 21, 1982, when he was shot and captured in Davao. He was tortured, interrogated, and eventually executed for “refusing to cooperate.” Jopson had a P180,000 bounty on his head when he died. He was 34 years old.

Edgar Jopson was no ordinary student. As president of NUSP, he stood his ground against a dictator. As a revolutionary, he poured his life for the Filipino people in everything that he did. As a Filipino, he was, undoubtedly, a hero.

Agoncillo, T. History of the Filipino People, 8th ed . Garotech Publishing.

Lanzona , V. Amazons of the Huk Rebellion . Ateneo de Manila University Press.

Martial Law Files. Victor Corpus .

Bantayog ng mga Bayani. Edgar Jopson .

Ateneo de Manila University. Remembering Edjop .

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