Unlike what most of us know, there is no official announcement or declaration of the

Philippine national heroes. However, given their values that changed the Philippine
landscape, laws were enacted to give honor to them.

On November 15, 1995, the National Heroes Committee selected the nine Filipino
historical figures to be named as the Philippine national heroes.

Initiated by the late President Fidel Ramos, it was made to

recognize Filipino natives as heroes “in recognition of their
sterling character and remarkable achievement for the
country” (National Committee for Culture and the Arts).
What is National Heroes Day?

Celebrated on the last Monday of August, National Heroes Day is a regular national
holiday in the Philippines. It is set to honor and commemorate the national heroes for
their great contributions to the Philippine independence. National Heroes Day is also
intended to mark the anniversary of the ‘Cry of Pugad Lawin’ in August 1896.

What is the Cry of Pugad Lawin?

Photo | StudiousguyPIN IT
The Cry of Pugad Lawin is one of the historical events in Philippine history. Better
referred to as the tearing of cedulas (a sign of enslavement of the Filipino) as the
Filipino men shouted, “Mabuhay ang Pilipinas” (long live the Philippines).
Spearheaded by Andres Bonifacio, the movement signified their defiance and will to
rise against the Spanish Empire.

The 9 National Heroes of the Philippines

Jose Rizal

Photo | Encyclopedia BritannicaPIN IT

Jose Rizal was a Filipino physician, poet, and writer who influenced the nationalist
movement in the Philippines. He was the leader of the propaganda movement,
publishing numerous political writings about the oppressive Spanish rule, ultimately
leading to his execution by the Spanish colonizers.

Andres Bonifacio
 Photo
| ThoughtCoPIN IT

Considered the “Father of the Philippine Revolution,” Bonifacio established the secret
revolutionary movement “Katipunan”. This instigated the revolt of August 1896
against the Spaniards. Contrary to Jose Rizal, who wanted a reform of the Spanish
rule in the Philippines, Bonifacio aimed for total independence from the foreign
rulers.

Emilio Aguinaldo
 Photo | Bio
Biography.comPIN IT

Emilio Aguinaldo is a Filipino leader and politician who battled for Philippine
independence. He played a significant role during the Philippine Revolution against
Spain and the United States. In his final years, Aguinaldo contributed to promoting
Philippine nationalism and democracy and developing Filipino – US relations.

Apolinario Mabini
 Photo |
The Kahimyang ProjectPIN IT

Apolinario Mabini is a Filipino theorist and spokesman of the Philippine Revolution,

who drafted the constitution for the short-lived republic of 1898 – 99. When the
Spanish – American War broke out in 1898, Mabini advocated working with the
United States to gain independence from Spain. When the United States announced its
plan to occupy the Philippines, Mabini, however, joined Aguinaldo in a renewed
battle for independence.

Marcelo H. Del Pilar

 Photo | The
Kahimyang ProjectPIN IT

Marcelo H. Del Pilar was a writer, lawyer, and a Philippine revolutionary

propagandist. Regarded as the “Father of Filipino Journalism” with 150 essays and 66
editorials, most of which appeared in La Solidaridad. He was the man behind the
“Diariong Tagalog” in 1882, containing the oppressive acts of the Spanish
government in the country.

Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat

 Photo | The
Kahimyang ProjectPIN IT

Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat rallied other Muslim leaders to preserve the Islamic faith and
defend their respective lands from foreign invaders. When some of the Maranao
chiefs thought of working with the Spaniards, he instructed them not to, given its
consequences. His leadership inspired people, and in return for his contributions, the
Filipino government named some parts of Mindanao after him, including the province
of Sultan Kudarat.

Juan Luna
 Photo |
Eliza S. RoblesPIN IT

Juan Novia Luna was a genius painter famous for his

masterpieces, ‘Spolarium’, ‘Blood Compact’, and ‘The Death of Cleopatra.’ Apart
from being an artist, he was a political activist during the Philippine Revolution in the
19th century. Some of his literary paintings include political commentary.

Melchora Aquino

Photo |
Esquire PhilippinesPIN IT

Melchora Aquino, also known as Tandang Sora was also “The Mother of the
Revolution”. She provided Filipino soldiers with food and medical care during those
times. Tandang Sora also used her home to host several secretive meetings for the
Katipuneros. History says she effectively used her wealth for a greater cause.

Gabriela Silang
 PIN IT

Maria Josefa Gabriela is the epitome of an empowered woman. After her husband’s
assassination, she took over the leadership of the revolutionary movement in Ilocos.
Her works have inspired the building of the GABRIELA, a non – governmental
organization that works for the education and promotion of women’s rights.
The contributions of the Philippine National Heroes are worth the honor they were given. May we never
forget that the independence we gain today is the result of their sacrifices in the past.