Holy Angel University

School of Business and Accountancy

First Semester A.Y. 2021 - 2022

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the subject:

Readings in Philippine History

Module 1 Lesson 4: Video and Content Analysis

Narrative Report

Submitted to:

Mr. Edcel John Canlas

Submitted by:

Group # 2

Bathan, Mariel

Bergosa, Krissan Gabriel

Dimarucut, Mary Grace

Lim, Mariane Elle

Torres, Irish Chrysel

A-114

Date:

August 21, 2021

Background of the author

Known as the “Brains of the Katipunan”, Emilio Jacinto y Dizon was born on

December 15, 1875, in Trozo and died in the year 1899. His parents are Mariano Jacinto

who have passed away after Emilio was born and Josefa Dizon, his mother, who sent

Emilio to his uncle, Jose Dizon, who is one of the first members of the revolutionary

Katipunan. Emilio was transferred from San Juan de Letran College to University of Santo

Tomas (UST) and took up law, unfortunately he did not completed his law degree in UST

because he decided to join and commit himself at the age of nineteen in a revolutionary

society known as “Katipunan or KKK”.

In addition to that, Emilio Jacinto was a gifted writer, an intellectual fighter, and a

hero who devoted his life to the cause of liberty by publishing patriotic literary works and

participating in the Revolutionary War at a young age. Equal rights, justice, sincere piety,

excellent leadership, and compassion for fellowmen all were things Jacinto aspired to.

Furthermore, Emilio Jacinto is known with his writings, such as the Kartilya ng Katipunan

— which contained the constitution and by-laws of the Katipunan —, A La Patria, and the

unpublished Light and Darkness which provided guiding principles and values that every

Filipino should live by. He was an editor, fiscal adviser, and secretary to Andres Bonifacio

during the revolution. Emilio Jacinto wrote literary works that awakened the eyes of

Filipinos under the pen names Pingkian and Dimas-Ilaw. He edited and wrote for the

Katipunan newspaper “KALAYAAN” with the pen name Dimas-Ilaw. As a result of his

outstanding achievements, the young patriot acquired the honors of philosopher,

intellectual, and poet.

Historical background of the document

The “Kartilya”, the most well-known of all Katipunan texts, is taught in schools and

debated in colleges. It was released as a brief pamphlet for new members, laying out the

KKK's values and teachings. It is the only document set in print by the Katipunan prior to

August 1896 that is still known to exist. The first use of the Kartilya is in the minutes of a

Supreme Assembly meeting in December 1895, which state that the manifesto

("pahayag") will cost 4 kualta each copy. During the early stages of the revolution, the

Kartilya was still in use, and Bonifacio was about to print more copies when he was killed.

It may have been used again during the second phase of the revolution, as a copy of it

survives in the Philippine Insurgent Records, stamped with Artemio Ricarte's seal from

1899. This version has a different title – “Final Declaration on Admission to the Katipunan”

(Katapusang pamamahayag sa pagpasok sa K.) – and it omits the famous footnote that

says “the word Tagalog means all people born in this Archipelago.” The Kartilya has

always been attributed to Emilio Jacinto; according to legend, Bonifacio had intended for

his "Decalogue" to be printed and distributed to new recruits, but after reading Jacinto's

Kartilya, he felt it was superior. However, the two passages are not truly comparable.

While Bonifacio's opener is merely a list of Katipunan members' responsibilities, Jacinto's

introduction, which is four times as long, is more of a statement of aspirations and ethical

standards. Bonifacio lays up ten responsibilities, whereas Jacinto offers twelve "guiding

principles" and fourteen "teachings."

The Kartilya ng Katipunan actually served as a manual for aspiring members of

the organization, detailing the party's regulations and values. The first edition of Kartilya

was written by Emilio Jacinto. Andres Bonifacio later published the revised Decalogue.
The Decalogue was originally known as ‘Katungkulang Gagawin ng mga Z. L1. B.’ (Duties

of the People's Sons). Additionally, distinct values that are expected for every Katipuneros

to possess are presented in the 14 paragraphs of the Kartilya ng Katipunan. Each

paragraph is distinctive in that it addresses many parts of a person's existence. Moreover,

the Katipunan set out three main goals: the first is political, which refers to the Philippines'

separation from Spain. Second, morality, which includes decent manners, hygiene, good

morals, and the rejection of religious fanaticism and character weakness. Finally, civics

is concerned with self-help and the defense of the underprivileged and disadvantaged.

Thus, Katipuneros' acts were guided by Kartilya's moral and intellectual underpinning.

With that being said, members of the Katipunan were required to read the Kartilya and

follow its code of conduct upon joining. The early Katipuneros understood that changing

people's minds and behaviors was the only way to fundamentally transform the

Philippines for the better. It contains lessons that outline not just the vision for an

egalitarian and morally sound Filipino country, but also how to achieve that ideal.
Content presentation and analysis of the important historical information found in

the document

Emilio Jacinto was 18 years old when he told his mother that he wanted to join

Katipunan. The young Jacinto's patriotic spirit was sparked by the burgeoning nationalism

of his period, and he joined the Katipunan, the radical society that launched the revolution,

with the support of his cousin, Marina Dizon. Regardless of their socioeconomic

background or gender, many people were persuaded to join the Katipunan. The

Katipuneros lived by a code of conduct that emphasized solidarity, justice, and

companionate love. Individuals were all yelling, "Long live Philippine Independence!".

Because of Jacinto's Tagalog fluency, Andres Bonifacio decided to engage with him on

literary works intended at instilling nationalism in the people's hearts and minds. Bonifacio

entrusted Emilio Jacinto with laying out the Katipunan's guiding principles, often known

as the "Primer of the Katipunan" — one of Emilio Jacinto's most notable works that served

as a guideline for every Filipino who aspired to join the revolutionary cause —. His writings

always included equal rights for all, respect for women, moral uprightness, and unity, in

addition to his love for the country.

The ideals supported by the Katipunan is to unite the hearts and minds of all the

Tagalogs by means of an irrevocable oath, for this union may be strong enough to tear

aside the thick veil that obscures thought, and to uncover the true path of Reason and

Enlightenment. Jacinto highlighted the Katipunan's top two commandments: love for

country and love for fellowmen. People were drawn to the Katipunan for it pledged that

rich or poor, uneducated or wise, they were all equal and true brethren as this Society

was not for the selfish, greedy, pretentious, or treacherous. Through Jacinto's Code, the
Katipunan formed a society that intended to generate good, upright and caring individuals

who will soon lead the nation.

Despite this, the Katipunan had barely finished their plans for the country when the

Spanish administration discovered them. During the Spaniards' 300-year dominance over

the Philippines, they witnessed an enormous rebellion never seen before. Andres

Bonifacio designated Emilio Jacinto as Supreme Commander of the North after the first

cry at Pugad Lawin in August 1896. Andres Bonifacio once labeled this remarkable young

man as the "Eyes of the Katipunan" and "the Spirit of the Revolution." Jacinto established

the strategic uprising of Katipuneros in various regions of Northern Luzon, including

Manila, the provinces of Rizal, Laguna, Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija, at the home of

Melchora Aquino in Brgy. Banlat, which is now part of Quezon City.

Several who joined the Katipunan did not completely comprehend its ideas and

aspirations when the revolution arose. Consider Cavite, where many of its revolutionary

leaders lacked a thorough understanding of the society's beliefs, teachings, and goals.

Bonifacio traveled to Cavite as the Revolution's head to resolve a political dispute

between the province's revolutionary leaders. Bonifacio's efforts resulted in his

desecration and trampling of his humanity, as well as his execution. Despite Bonifacio's

death, Jacinto continued to battle the Spanish army, not under the new revolutionary

authority, but under the former Katipunan command.

Spanish forces were on the edge of arresting Jacinto, who had been identified as

one of the Katipunan's leaders. Jacinto was saved by an identifying certificate that

belonged to a Katipunero who had been chased by his forces for treason. Due to
Bonifacio's absence, the revolution's new leadership strayed from the Katipunan's and

Jacinto's principles. Apolinario Mabini stated that the revolution was misguided because

it lacked a moral code. As the revolution's advisor, Mabini filled the hole left by Jacinto.

Despite his tight relationship with Bonifacio, he tried to accept Jacinto.

Jacinto died of malaria at the age of 23 in Sta. Cruz Laguna, a few years after

Bonifacio was killed. It was a period when the country was gearing itself for another

adversity: Philippine-American war. Light and Darkness embodies Emilio Jacinto's

purpose of leading Filipinos away from mistaken practices and awakening them to the

truth, equality, camaraderie, and love of country. Aside from staging wars and launching

revolts, he advocated for a change of heart among the people, a revolution that originates

from within the country, an internal change that begins with each person. Emilio Jacinto

devoted his youth and life towards obtaining the independence that he valued.

Regardless of how many years elapsed since the revolution ended, he left a set of guiding

principles for a free society.

Contribution and relevance of the document in understanding the grand narrative

of Philippine History

The Kartilya ng Katipunan conducted a foundation for the Katipuneros back then.

They put forth fourteen rules and guidelines for its citizens and companions to completely

comprehend and follow their purposes and to keep the organizations confidential. This

document was preserved, thereby giving current generations an idea as to how this book

helped to comprehend our history and influenced the present. The Kartilya ng Katipunan

is relevant to the new generation as it educated the public about the Katipunan, a

Philippine revolutionary group whose major objective was for the Philippines to obtain

independence from Spain. Through this paper, Filipinos were led to believe that there

were intellectual and moral revolutionaries striving for the country's freedom.
Personal Insights

The first book written by Emilio Jacinto was the moral and intellectual foundation

in guiding the actions of Katipuneros. This serves as the guidebook for new members of

the organization, which laid out the group's rules and principles. Members were required

to read the Kartilya and adhere to its code of conduct. Reading the Kartilya ng Katipunan

is very engaging. It gave us a lot more information and knowledge which we can apply in

today’s situation. Moreover, it shows how to live an economically sound and righteous

life. It also explicates how to build a foundation for freedom from within. For many years,

citizens thought that the idea of genuine independence seemed like a mirage. Instead, it

became an oath to everyone, that every citizen had to take in order to become part of the

change for the country. It also shows that people back then had the courage to fight for

what is right and for our freedom since the Spanish were colonizing our country at that

time. At that time, it is so important to have unity, and together, they will fight for their

rights.

Summing up, our overall thoughts and insights on the Kartilya ng Katipunan were

as follows: First, Filipinos back then had pride and devotion. That they care about people

and have good intentions. Second, our heroes did everything they could to free us from

oppression. Finally, the Katipunan's teachings provided us a new perspective on what an

ideal life is about, in addition to giving us an awareness of the social and political

environment during the Spanish colonial era. It also pushed us to set a better mindset

that would successfully meet the change we've been hoping for. Additionally, we believe

that if people read the said document, particularly the new generation, people will realize

that the situation we are facing today is unjust, thus we need to enhance the kind of
system we have today. The Kartilya ng Katipunan, showed how people united back then

which we do not have today.

References

Cristobal, A.E. The Tragedy of the Revolution. (Makati City: Studio 5 Publishing Inc.,
1997) 46; José P. Santos, Buhay at mga sinulat ni Emilio Jacinto (Manila: José
Paez Santos, 1935), 59–63.

LeGiT Entertainment & Media Co., Inc. (2017, June 13). NHCP's Emilio Jacinto: Utak ng
Katipunan Documentary Film [Video]. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE8d7uAluL8&t=748s
 PEER EVALUATION

1) The peer evaluation is applicable to group submissions only. The peer grade is an
additional 10 points on top of the score reflected in the HAU Canvas and shall be
included in the total grade for each group submission.
2) Each group member shall be rated on a scale from 1 to 10 as regards their
contribution to the group submission or grade, with 10 being the highest. The rating
shall follow the format provided below.
3) A zero (0) peer grade means the member did not participate (in any way) in the
submission and will receive an automatic zero (0) for the whole submission unless
extra-special circumstances.
4) An automatic 10 to all members will be considered an invalid peer evaluation and
will not be considered in the calculation.
5) The group members shall send their respective peer reviews to their appointed
leader together with their output. Note: only the appointed leader should submit
the assessment activity of the group.
6) The right to punish group members for collusion in this matter is reserved.
7) The right to alter the peer evaluation mechanics is also reserved.

PEER EVALUATION FORM

Name of Submission: Group 2 Subject and Section: RPH A-114

EVALUATOR
Leader: Member 1: Member 2: Member 3: Member 4: Member 5: AVE.
EVALUATEE Bathan, Bergosa, Dimarucut, Lim, Torres, Irish
Mariel Krisann Mary Mariane Chrysel
Grace Elle
Bathan, Mariel: x 10 10 10 10 10
Bergosa, 10 x 10 10 10 10
Krisann Gabriel:
Dimarucut, 10 10 x 10 10 10
Mary Grace:
Lim, Mariane 10 10 10 x 10 10
Elle:
Torres, Irish 10 10 10 10 x 10
Chrysel:
Member 5: x

Notes: