NHCP, Kamuning Bakery commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Emilio Jacinto

 

Known as the "Brains of the Katipunan" for his crucial role in the Philippine Revolution, Emilio Jacinto also authored the Kartilya ng Katipunan (revolutionary primer) and edited the newspaper Kalayaan.

His patriotic writings and for serving as a high-ranking officer and strategist for the secret society fighting for independence against Spain inspired many Filipinos of his time. He was a brilliant writer and tactician, a close advisor to Andres Bonifacio, and a key figure in shaping the ideals of the revolution.

In celebration of his 150th birthday on Monday, 15 December 2025, various activities will take place at 8:00 am, at different sites across the country.

Wreaths will be offered at his tomb in Himlayang Pilipino, Quezon City, to be led by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the National Youth Commission Chairperson, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, the Himlayang Pilipino, Inc., and Jacinto descendant Maria Melissa Galauran Lacerna-Dona. The program will also include a reading of Jacinto’s Kartilya ng Katipunan and an excerpt from the hit Tanghalang Pilipino musical, “Pingkian: Isang Musikal.”

Similar commemorative activities will also be conducted in Jacinto’s monuments at the Bonifacio Shrine (Kartilya ng Katipunan Park) in Manila, Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan City, the Battle of Maimpis Site and the town plaza in Magdalena, Laguna, and in his first burial place in Santa Cruz, Laguna.

The hero's 150th Birth Anniversary celebration is part of the 2025 Year of the Youth in Philippine History that is anchored on the sesquicentennials of Jacinto, Gregoria De Jesus, Gregorio Del Pilar, and other young revolutionaries who fought for our country’s independence from Spanish colonial rule.

Ahead of the country’s celebration, the Kamuning Bakery Cafe, in Quezon City, gathered the hero’s decendants for a meaningful Pandesal Forum commemorating his life and heroism. In attendance were his great-great-grandnieces Melissa Galauran and Atty. Dulce Punzalan, alongside descendant Marvin Dona and Melissa’s kids Kaira and Carlo, who is a spitting image of the young Jacinto.

The panelists were joined by historians Red Constantino of the Constantino Foundation & Eufemio Agbayani III of the NHCP, poets Prof. Vim Nadera (UP) & Prof. Abner Dormiendo (Ateneo de Manila University), Chairman of Linangan sa Imahe, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA).

Carlo Dona, who is a spitting image of the young Jacinto, holds a new book about him, authored by Melissa Galauran

Following the forum, Constantino, also a staunch environmentalist led a poignant ceremony paying homage to the century-old Narra tree standing beside 87-year-old bakery —a living symbol of resilience, natural heritage, & deep-rooted strength.

The forum's messages intertwined: for the Filipino youth and people to forever keep the sacred capacity to love our country deeply, to feel righteous anger at injustice, and to champion the causes of good governance and stewardship—of our history, our future, and our environment.

“The revolution continues, not on battlefields, but in our hearts, minds, and in the legacy we nurture and protect,”said Wilson Flores who moderated the event.

The Jacinto descendants with forum participants paid homage to the century old narra tree standing beside the cafe

Atty. Dulce Punzalan (left) with this writer and fellow attendee Tonee Coraza