MANILA — The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), in partnership with local government units and cultural institutions, marked the 150th birth anniversary of revolutionary hero Emilio Jacinto through a series of commemorative ceremonies held across key historical sites in Laguna, Metro Manila, and Quezon City on December 15, 2025.
In Santa Cruz, Laguna, wreath-laying rites were conducted at Jacinto’s monument located at his first burial site. The ceremony was led by Santa Cruz Mayor Joseph Kris Benjamin B. Agarao, together with officials and representatives from NHCP-managed museums, including the Museo ni Apolinario Mabini, Tanauan Museum, Museo ni Jose Rizal–Calamba Shrine, Museo ng Libingan sa Ilalim ng Lupa ng Nagcarlan, and Museo nina Marcela Mariño at Felipe Agoncillo.
Meanwhile, in Magdalena, Laguna, the NHCP joined the Magdalena Municipal Government and the Laguna Provincial Government in honoring Jacinto at the Magdalena Town Plaza and the Site of the Battle of Maimpis. Wreaths were offered by Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group Director PBGEN Hansel Matamis Marantan, NHCP Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo, Magdalena Mayor Dario A. Lapada Jr., and other local officials.
In San Juan City, commemorative rites were held at Jacinto’s monument at the Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine. The ceremony was led by San Juan City Mayor Francisco Javier “Francis” M. Zamora and Vice Mayor Angelo “AAA” Agcaoili, alongside NHCP Deputy Executive Director Rosario V. Sapitan and other officials.
In Manila, the NHCP joined the Manila City Government in honoring Jacinto at his monument at the Bonifacio Shrine, also known as the Kartilya ng Katipunan Park. Wreaths were offered by Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Vice Mayor Angela Lei “Chi” Atienza-Valdepeñas, NHCP Deputy Executive Director Alvin R. Alcid, and Jacinto descendant Jeff Jacinto.
A major commemorative program was also held at Himlayang Pilipino in Quezon City, where Jacinto is interred. The ceremony was attended by National Youth Commission Chairperson Joseph Francisco Ortega, Senator Loren B. Legarda, NHCP Chair Regalado Trota Jose Jr., Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Jacinto descendant Maria Melissa Galauran Lacerna-Dona, and Himlayang Pilipino, Inc. Vice President-Comptroller Rafael C. Hizon.
During the Himlayang Pilipino program, excerpts from the Kartilya ng Katipunan were read by Melchora Aquino National High School student Mariah Shaniah E. Mismanos, while songs from Tanghalang Pilipino’s musical Pingkian: Isang Musikal were performed by Vic Robinson, Paw Castillo, and Gab Pangilinan. National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario, members of Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo, as well as teachers, students, and Jacinto descendants, were also present.
Emilio Jacinto was a leading intellectual and military figure of the Philippine Revolution. One of the highest-ranking leaders of the Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Katipunan), he authored its foundational guide, the Kartilya ng Katipunan. Widely regarded as the “Brains of the Katipunan,” Jacinto played a crucial role in shaping the movement’s ideological and political foundations, while also participating in several revolutionary battles and campaigns from 1896 to 1899.
After the revolution, Jacinto settled in Magdalena, Laguna, where he engaged in business and helped establish a cooperative. He later died of malaria in Santa Cruz, Laguna. Initially buried there, his remains were reinterred at the Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolución in Manila in December 1921, before being transferred to the Himlayang Pilipino in Quezon City in December 1976.
The nationwide commemoration forms part of the 2025 Year of the Youth in Philippine History, which highlights the sesquicentennials of Jacinto, Gregoria de Jesus, Gregorio del Pilar, and other young revolutionaries who played vital roles in the country’s struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule.
