The fifth session of the Panagriing Closing Conference, titled “Continued Resistance Beyond 1901,” shed light on the enduring struggle of Filipino revolutionaries who continued fighting for independence even after the collapse of the First Philippine Republic in 1901.
The session formed part of the closing conference for the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood, organized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in partnership with the Ayala Foundation and Ayala Museum.
Cavite 5th District Board Member Aidel Paul Belamide opened the session with his presentation, “Vito Belarmino at ang Sanib-Pwersang Bikolano-Tagalog: Labanan para sa Bikol, 1899-1901.” His discussion focused on the joint efforts of Bicolano and Tagalog revolutionary forces under General Vito Belarmino in resisting American military occupation in the Bicol region during the final years of the Philippine-American War.
Belamide emphasized how local alliances and regional cooperation played a crucial role in sustaining the revolutionary movement despite growing challenges faced by Filipino forces after the declaration of independence in 1898.
Meanwhile, historian and speaker Gabriel Malvar presented “Mga Capatid at Casamasama sa Paquiquihamoc: Miguel Malvar Takes Over,” which examined the leadership of revolutionary general Miguel Malvar following the capture of Emilio Aguinaldo by American forces in 1901.
Malvar’s presentation highlighted how Miguel Malvar assumed leadership of the revolutionary government and continued the armed struggle in Batangas and neighboring provinces. The discussion also explored the role of communities, allies, and ordinary Filipinos who supported revolutionary efforts despite increasing pressure from American military campaigns.
According to the NHCP, the Panagriing Conference seeks to revisit the enduring legacies of the Philippine Revolution, the Philippine-American War, and the First Philippine Republic beyond 1901. The conference gathered more than 20 speakers from various academic and historical institutions to discuss the sacrifices and contributions of Filipinos across the country in the fight for freedom.
The two-day conference serves as the culminating event of the multiyear #PH125 commemoration, which began in 2023 to mark the 125th anniversary of Philippine independence and the establishment of Southeast Asia’s first democratic republic.
