KARTILLIA OF THE KATIPUNAN

1 BASICS.

- The Kartilla of the Katipunan was a “Guidebook” written by Emilio Jacinto y Dizon in the year
1892. The book was intended to be used by the new members/katipuneros of the K.K.K
revolution (officially known as Kataastaasan, Kagalang-galang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng
Bayan) as it contained rules and principles of the group.

2 CONTEXT.

- In the Philippines, year 1892 whilst being under Spanish colonialism. Andres Bonifacio had
founded the Katipunan, which was a group of Anti Spanish Filipinos of whom formed together in
order to attain their independence against the Spanish colonizers. As the Philippines had been
under Spanish rule at the time beginning from the year 1565.

3 PURPOSE/CONTENT.

-The Kartilla of the Katipunan begins with the 10-obligations the Decalogue written by Andres
Bonifacio, the founder of K.K.K organization himself. The list reflects a religious aspect of the
Filipinos in which it mentions the word "Creator" repeatedly. Bonifacio dwells on the loyalty and
commitment towards the organization. conveying statements such as “guard the instructions
and plans of the K.K.K as you would guard your own honor" stating that followers should be
wary of those whom they inform and protect said information as you would your own self-
respect. He, along with that mentions "believe absolutely that scoundrels and traitors will be
punished, and good deeds will be rewarded. believe likewise, that the aims of the K.K.K are
blessed by the creator, for the will of the people is also his will." Stating that those who try to
betray the Katipunan will not be overlooked, and those who are good followers are recognized
and rewarded. The statement also points out the presence of the creator, and that their goal is
blessed by them as the wills of the people and the creator are one. Parts of the obligations
speaks up on the patriotism towards the very country. “Engrave on the heart the conviction
that to die for the liberation of the country from enslavement is the highest honor and
fortune” insinuating that to give your life for the countries freedom from the Spanish colonizers
is the most formidable way to have your life be taken away, at the time. These obligations also
teach us about comradeship, cited such as “anyone who falls into danger whilst carrying out
their duties should be supported by all, and rescued even at the cost of life and riches”
meaning that everyone should support each other had any of them got into danger even if it
means losing their life or money. “Let each of us strive in the performance of our duty to set a
good example for others to follow” stating that the katipuneros should strive to do well in their
duty as to make themselves symbols for others to look up to. “share whatever you can with
whoever is needy” uttering that be a generous person and provide what you can with those
whom are in need. And “diligence in earning a livelihood is a true expression of love and
affection for self, spouse, children and brothers or companions” implying that making an effort
to provide a livelihood for yourself, family and others is a genuine way of expressing your love
and affection.
The Decalogue section of the Kartilla of the Katipunan was originally intended to be what was
spread to the recruits however after reading Emilio Jacinto’s Kartilla Bonifacio acknowledges that
it was superior in comparison to his work. Either way both have been written differently
although they have similarities in context. Moreover the Decalogue focuses more on the
obligations of a katipunero and the kartilla speaks up on the “followings” or “teachings” but both
serve as a guide even though the katipuneros absorbed more information within the kartilla
rather than the decalogue, as it is talked about more by them. the kartilla was written in the
midst of the revolution as a guide to recruit followers and entice people , henceforth to attain
and fight for their country’s independence.