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Balintawak - The Cry For A Nationwide Revolution
Balintawak - The Cry For A Nationwide Revolution
The ambiguity of the venue and date of the so-called “Cry of Balintawak” or the “Cry of Pugad
Lawin” is another subject of controversy in Philippine History. Historians have competing
accounts on the site and the date of the Cry. Originally, the Cry happened in Balintawak on August
26, 1896 and this is the official position of the government from 1908 to 1963. However, in 1963,
the government during the administration of President Diosdado Macapagal declared the shift to
August 23, 1896 in Pugad Lawin.
Understanding the event of August 1896 is very essential because it marks the turning point in
Philippine history. It started the Filipinos’ revolutionary fight for independence and their assertion
of nationhood. The chosen text for this topic is entitled Balintawak: The Cry for a Nationwide
Revolution written by Milagros C. Guerrero, Emmanuel N. Encarnacion and Ramon N. Villegas.
It provides a comprehensive analysis of the clashing claim ( Balintawak or Pugad Lawin) on the
date, venue, and interpretation of the “ Cry”.
Learning Objectives:
After reading the text, each student will be able to:
1. Discuss the symbolism of “cries of rebellion” among Filipinos and those of Spanish
colonies in their quest for independence;
2. Evaluate the conflicting accounts made in reference to the Cry of Balintawak or Cry of
Pugad Lawin;
3. Explain how cartographic changes many explain the evidence pointing to the Cry of
Balintawak instead of Cy of Pugad Lawin;
4. Analyze the conflicting arguments as to the date, place and interpretation of the cry; and
5. Make a position whether the cry happened in Balintawak or in Pugad Lawin.