EMILIO JACINTO

Background and Education

Jacinto was born on December 15, 1875 in Trozo, Tondo, Manila to Mariano
Jacinto and Josefa Dizon.
His father died shortly after he was born and he was sent to live with his
uncle, Don Jose Dizon.
He was educated in both Spanish and Filipino.
He attended Colegio de San Juan Letran.
He later transferred to the University of Sto. Tomas where he studied law.
He did not finished the course because his Spanish classmates often abused
him.
Jacinto Joins the Katipunan
At age 19, Jacinto joined the Katipunan and became one of its leaders.
Jacinto served as Andres Bonifacios secretary and fiscal.
Jacinto supervised the manufacture of gunpowder used by the Katipuneros in
battle.
Jacinto was known as Pingkian.
Jacinto was popularly known in Philippine History books as the Brains of the
Katipunan while some contend he should be rightfully recognized as the
Brains of the Revolution.
Jacinto as a Gifted Writer
Jacinto became the editor of Ang Kalayaan, the newspaper of Katipunan.
He wrote in the newspaper under the pen name Dimas Ilaw.
He wrote the poem A La Patria (To My Fatherland), which was inspired by Dr.
Jose Rizals Mi Ultimo Adios.
Jacinto was the author of the Kartilya ng Katipunan which composed of the
secret societys commandments.
Jacinto prepared and wrote many Katipunan documents.
1896 Revolution
Jacinto was present in the Cry of the Pugad Lawin which signaled the start
of the revolution.
Bonifacio was executed by Aguinaldos men.
After Bonifacios death, Jacinto continued to fight against the Spanish
colonizers.
Like Gen. Mariano Alvarez and other KKK leaders, Jacinto refused to join the
forces of Aguinaldo (Magdalo faction leader of the Katipunan).
The Hiding of Jacinto in the Mountains
When Aguinaldo signed the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, Jacinto and his followers
went into hiding in the mountains.
In 1898, Apolinario Mabini wrote to Jacinto asking him to come down from the
mountains.

Jacinto never came down from the mountains because he was cautious and
fearful that his close association to Bonifacio might be counted against him.

Death of Jacinto
Because of his refusal and fear to go down the mountains, he contracted
malaria and died in Majayjay, Laguna.
He died on April 16, 1899 at the age of 23.
His remains were buried in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.
A few years later, his remains were later transferred to the Manila North
Cemetery.
Tributes to Jacinto
In the 1970s, Jacintos remains were transferred and enshrined at Himlayang
Pilipino Memorial Park in Quezon City.
At the shrine is a life size bronze sculpture of a defiant Jacinto riding a horse
during his days as a revolutionary.
Another statue of Jacinto is located in Mehan Gardens (Manila).
Jacintos likeness used to be featured on the old 20 peso bill that circulated
from 1949 to 1969.
Jacinto was also featured on the old 20 centavo coin.
Famous Quotation
The Filipino people have always proved themselves bigger than their leaders
Filipino leaders may come and Filipino leaders may go, but not the Filipino people
who will continue treading on towards the one destiny of God of Nation has
designated for them.
References:
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emilio_Jacinto
2. http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php/Emilio_Jacinto
3. http://philippineheroesandheroines.blogspot.com/p/who-is-emilio-jacinto.html
4. http://www.etravelpilipinas.com/about_philippines/emilio_jacinto.htm
5. http://kahimyang.info/kauswagan/articles/669/today-in-history-october-81897-emilio-jacinto-wrote-a-la-patria