Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University

Bacolor, Pampanga

Cristina S. Sulit Philosophical Foundation of

EdD - Educational Management Philippine Education
Dr. Nicolas Capulong

Topic: Spanish Regime and the Revolutionary Government

Apolinario Mabini's Educational Philosophies

During the Spanish regime, the education was considered as a status symbol, a privilege
and not a right. The Spaniards refused to give quality education to the Filipino for fear that if
they obtained such kind of learning, ignorance would be eradicated. Moreover, Apolinario
Mabini, from humble beginnings , rose to become the "brain of the revolution", a title he earned
for serving as counsel to Emilio Aguinaldo.
At first, Mabini showed disapproval in the revolution, believing that the reform
movement would prevail. He wrote articles and pamphlets urging his followers.
Moreover, one of the famous and inspiring rules in the True Decalogue (El Verdadero
Decalogo) is "Though shalt cultivate the special gifts which had been granted thee, working and
studying according to the ability, never leaving the path of righteousness and justice in order to
attain thine own perfection". It explained that knowledge should be treasured and used rightly
and justly.
Professor Randy David once cited on his article that Mabini's Decalogue is a fascinating
document, not only because it offers basic lessons in citizenship that remains relevant to our
time, but also because, at a deeper level, it tries to replace the entrenched dichotomies of a
religious culture and a hierarchical society with the more nuanced concepts of a secular and
modern society. This subtle subversion begins with Mabini's intriguing use of the word "True"
(Verdadero in Spanish) as a qualifier for the Decalogue. This was apparently deliberate on
Mabini's part, a decision of long reflection. In my view, he meant this harmless-sounding
document to be polemic - namely, the "false" commandments of clerical rule.
According to Prof. David, it gives emphasis on the importance of patriotism, approach is
mere on moral education, and what is dictated on conscience would promote religious freedom
as well.
Education in the country is in great importance because it is the primary avenue for
upward and social economic mobility.
Mabini's philosophies were more of religious matters. For him, it was not only through
priesthood that serve God. Even experienced life's hardships, he was highly regarded for his
value for education and proved to us that poverty and disability is not a hindrance to achieve
anything.
Apolinario Mabini was very fearless when it came to defending his rights. He preferred
using words and writings as a weapon in fighting oppression and inequality by the Spanish
Government. Mabini's works as a Prime Minister and Foreign Minister served as one of the
voices of the First Philippine Republic while simultaneously giving voice to the oppressed,
marginalized, and underprivileged. Accumulation of his past experiences and his views different
from the norms of the time earned him the title "Brains of the Revolution".
References:

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