Illustration by: Michaela Alyanna Dela Cruz
The last Monday of August is a collective reminder for all Filipinos to remember our country's claim for freedom. It now begs the question, “To whom do we owe this celebration?” This day is not dedicated to a single hero but a multitude of them; it is a celebration of our motherland and the bravery of her people. We commemorate the fierce determination and unwavering spirit that Filipinos have shown throughout our history of war and injustice during the Spanish, American, and Japanese regimes. We celebrate National Heroes Day on the day of the uprising in Balintawak, more commonly associated with the event of the cry in Pugad Lawin since it marks the beginning of the Filipinos' war for independence. We celebrate the movement and the people that led it to lay the foundation of our national identity. Today, we hail the names of numerous heroes, leaders, warriors, and unsung men who bravely fought in the Philippine Revolution.
The Cry of Pugad Lawin (Sigaw ng Pugad Lawin) remains a historic feat. It will forever be considered a pivotal moment for the country's independence. After witnessing the unjust killing and arrest of innocent Filipinos, the Kataastaasan Kagalanggalangang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK), a revolutionary secret society, tore up their cedulas, raised their arms, and cried about the crimes done to the Filipinos. This revolution, led by the united front of Andres Bonifacio and the other katipuneros, ignited fury among their fellow countrymen and motivated them to no longer tolerate injustice. This revolutionary movement led to the independence of the country in 1898. To commemorate the revolution’s contributions, we celebrate the heroes who have paved the way for the country’s free state. We celebrate Andres Bonifacio for his bravery in starting the revolution, Emilio Aguinaldo for his leadership and victories, Jose Rizal for his dedication and literary works, Apolinario Mabini for his war tactics and intellect, Melchora Aquino for her aid and service for the wounded soldiers, Marcelo H. Del Pilar for his advocacy through journalism, Trinidad Tecson for her service as a nurse and a warrior, and a long list of names who have fought valiantly during this time.
The Cry of Pugad Lawin shines among the other resistance movements for a reason. A brief revisit at history reveals that the Philippines has its past with revolts during its Spanish colonial period: the Tagalog Revolt led by Lakandula and Rajah Sulayman in Tondo in 1574, the Magalat Revolt by Magalat in Cagayan in 1596, the Silang Revolt by Diego Silang in Ilocos Sur in 1763, and a few more honorable resistance that bravely took up arms to the oppressive Spanish government. All events share a common denominator: these revolts were disunited and outmanned attempts. These movements failed and were shut down, and after centuries of being under the cruelty of Spain, Filipinos might have just accepted their fate as enslaved people on their own soil. It was not until the katipuneros raised their banner and declared their opposition to the Spanish rule. The Cry of Pugad Lawin is considered a monumental movement because it sparked empowerment and motivation; the katipuneros' struggle symbolizes hope and a new day for the country. Moreover, the struggle of the KKK was not just a revolt like the previous revolts of before – it was a revolution.
Today, on National Heroes Day, we honor and remember these remarkable individuals who paved the way for our beloved country. We celebrate these names because of their rightful contribution to our country's independence and freedom. Their legacy will live on, with their stories reminding the next generations to never succumb to injustices inflicted by stronger forces. We are not only tasked to remember these heroes but also to emulate them and protect what they have started and achieved. They have passed down this task to us and it is our turn to see through it.
Today, we remember. Tomorrow, we cry for what is right.
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