Today in Philippine History: Jose P. Rizal

JUNE 19, 1861

José Protacio Rizal (June 19, 1861 – December 30, 1896), the national hero of the Philippines and pride of the Malayan race was born in Calamba, Laguna. He was the seventh of the nine children of Francisco Mercado Rizal and Teodora Alonzo y Quintos. Rizal was a novelist, poet, journalist, ophthalmologist and a nationalist. His two books, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo  exposed the injustices of the civil and church officials that led to his arrest, trial and execution.

Today in Philippine History: The University of the Philippines

JUNE 18, 1908

The University of the Philippines, the national university was founded after the First Philippine Legislature passed Act No. 1870 also known as the “University Act” upon the recommendation of Secretary of Public Instruction W. Morgan Schuster. Act No. 1870 authorized the Governor General to establish the University of the Philippines in the “city of Manila, or at any point he may deem most convenient.” U.P. today provides the largest degree programs in the country and Senate Resolution No. 276 recognizes it as the “nation’s premiere university”.

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Today in Philippine History: Preparatory Committee for Philippine Independence Created

JUNE 18, 1943

The Japanese High Command gave an order to create a Preparatory Committee for Philippine Independence with the aim of making a constitution. The task was given to the KALIBAPI (Kapisanan sa Paglilingkod sa Bagong PiIipinas), a political party created by the Philippine Executive Commission headed by Jorge Vargas. After the constitution was finished and ratified, an election was held for the members of the unicameral National Assembly. Benigno S. Aquino Sr. became the speaker. Jose P. Laurel was elected president of the 2nd Philippine Republic.

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Today in Philippine History: Lazaro Francisco

JUNE 17, 1980

Lazaro Francisco (February 22, 1898 - June 17, 1980), the National Artist for Literature and the recipient of the Republic Cultural Heritage Award for Literature in 1970 passed away on this day. Born in Orani, Bataan, Francisco wrote short stories and plays. He also wrote novels that were serialized in Liwayway, the weekly Tagalog magazine. His nationalism showed in his novels that include: Singsing na Pangkasal, Bayang Nagpatiwakal, Sa Paanan ng Krus, Ilaw sa Hilaga, Binhi at Bunga, Cesar, Sugat ng Alaala, Ama, Maganda Pa Ang Daigdig, and Daluyong.

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Today in Philippine History: Battle of San Fernando

JUNE 16, 1899

Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo gathered his army of around 4,000 with the purpose of retaking the town of San Fernando in Pampanga. The Battle for San Fernando began when Aguinaldo’s revolutionary army attacked U.S. positions in the strategic town and used several pieces of artillery. The American troops under Gen. Arthur MacArthur repulsed the Filipinos who retreated. Earlier on May 5, 1899, the Americans captured San Fernando with the defeated Filipino troops  of Gen. Antonio Luna burning the church, several buildings and railway station before they left.

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Today in Philippine History: Sabino Padilla

JUNE 15, 1986

Sabino Padilla (August 21, 1894 - June 15, 1986), a native of San Miguel, Manila and one of the pillars of the Supreme Court of the Philippines passed away on this day. He was a legal luminary and staunch defender of justice. He started his career as a special attorney of the Bureau of Justice in 1919 then judge of the Court of First Instance and appellate judge of the Court of Appeals, On June 25, 1946, Pres. Manuel Roxas made him Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and later became the Secretary of Justice. He was the brother of Sen. Ambrosio Padilla. 

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Today in Philippine History: Battle of Bessang Pass

JUNE 14, 1945

Bessang Pass in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur, the last stronghold of the Japanese forces under Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita fell after 20,000 Filipino guerrilla fighters of the United States Army Forces in the Philippines (USAFIP-NL) under the command of Col. Russell Volckmann showed extra-ordinary valor. The Battle of Bessang Pass was a victory for the 121st, 15th, 66th and the Provisional Infantry Regiments of the USAFIP-NIL. The battle took four months and ended on June 14 with the successful planting of a symbolic flag made of a dirty green face towel by the 121st.

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