This August, the country celebrates Buwan ng Wika to honor the Filipino language and its rich history. Often at the forefront of this celebration is Dr. Jose Rizal, our National Hero who is known for his written works, and Manuel Quezon, considered as the Father of the National Language. But a lesser known hero, despite his great contributions, often follows his name: Marcelo H. del Pilar.
Marcelo H. Del Pilar, hailed as the Father of Philippine Journalism, was a pivotal figure in the struggle for Philippine independence. His legacy extends beyond his role in the nationalist movement. He transformed the landscape of Philippine journalism through his pen and unwavering commitment to truth and social justice. In his honor, we celebrate National Press Freedom Day every 30th of August, his birth date.
His education and childhood
Born on August 30, 1850, in Cupang, Bulacan, Del Pilar grew up in a period of profound social and political change in the Philippines. His family was deeply rooted in the values of education and reform. His father, Don Miguel del Pilar, was a school teacher, and his mother, Doña Máxima Hidalgo, supported his early learning. Del Pilar’s formal education began at a local school in his hometown. Afterwards, he attended the Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Manila where he studied philosophy and law. His academic prowess earned him recognition and further opportunities. He continued his academic pursuits at the Universidad Central de Madrid in Spain, where he studied law. But his passion for writing and liberation soon eclipsed his legal career.
The dawn of a reformer
Upon returning to the Philippines, Del Pilar initially engaged in law and teaching. However, his dissatisfaction with Spanish colonial rule catalyzed his shift towards journalism. His legal background provided him with a strong foundation for his critical writing, which later became a powerful tool in his campaign for reform.
In 1882, Marcelo Del Pilar founded Diariong Tagalog in Manila as a response to the dire need for a native-language newspaper that could directly address the grievances of the Filipino people and promote the cause of deliverance. Most newspapers in the Philippines were published in Spanish, a language that was not accessible to the majority. Thus, his primary objective in creating Diariong Tagalog was to provide a platform for expressing nationalist sentiments and advocating for social reforms. He aimed to bridge the gap between the educated elite and the broader Filipino populace by publishing content in Tagalog, which was the vernacular language of most Filipinos.
Diariong Tagalog had its first release on August 1, 1882. The newspaper covered a range of topics, including political reform, social justice, and national identity. It was notable for its bold criticism of Spanish colonial policies and the abuses of the friars. Del Pilar used the paper to champion his vision of a revolutionized and independent Philippines, free from colonial oppression.
Despite its critical role in the Filipino nationalist movement, Diariong Tagalog faced numerous challenges. The newspaper was subject to censorship and frequent harassment by the colonial authorities. Its publication was eventually discontinued after only a few months because of colonial pressure and financial difficulties. Nonetheless, it inspired other reformist publications and contributed to the growing nationalist movement in the Philippines.
The rise of Plaridel
For Del Pilar, this was only the beginning. In 1888, he went on to be the editor of Kalayaan, the official newspaper of the Katipunan, the revolutionary society founded by Andres Bonifacio. Although Kalayaan was also short-lived, it was instrumental in shaping his vision of a free and just society.
Del Pilar notably used multiple pen names such as Plaridel, Dolores Manapat, Piping Dilat, Siling Labuyo, M. Calero, Gregoria de Luna, Dolores Manaksak, and so forth to publish various writings that explicitly challenged and criticized friars like the Dasalan at Tocsohan and Caiigat Cayo among many others.
Del Pilar's commitment to exposing colonial abuses led him to Europe, where he became involved with the Propaganda Movement. His time in Madrid was marked by significant contributions to the movement’s periodicals, notably La Solidaridad. As a key contributor, he used his writings to critique Spanish rule and advocate for the unshackling of the Filipino people from colonial powers.
Marcelo del Pilar's journalistic prowess is encapsulated in his incisive editorials and articles. One of his most famous quotes reflects his disdain for the oppressive colonial system: “The abolition in the Philippines of every obstacle to our liberties, and in due time and by the proper method, the abolition of the flag of Spain as well.”—(Del Pilar to Deodato Arellano in “Epistolario de Marcelo”)
Del Pilar’s writings often highlighted the corruption and exploitation endemic in colonial administration.
His article “Let Us Not Talk About Blood” published under La Solidaridad in 1891 is a poignant example of his fearless critique and undying hope for liberation. In it, Del Pilar denounced the incompetence and moral decay of the Spanish colonial officials and spoke of the revolutionary fire ablaze within the Filipino people. "Once the struggle is began, one phenomenon would be inevitable and that is, the Filipinos will fight for their right, for their reason, and for their justice irrespective of consequences," (Del Pilar, 1891). This piece, along with others, mobilized public opinion and contributed to the growing nationalist sentiment in the Philippines.
Legacy and Impact
Marcelo del Pilar's dedication to journalism was not just an act of rebellion but a profound statement of his belief in the power of the written word to effect change. His efforts in La Solidaridad and other writings laid the groundwork for the eventual success of the Philippine Revolution. By addressing social injustice and advocating for independence, his journalism became a powerful instrument in the quest for national identity and independence.
Marcelo Del Pilar passed away in 1896, a few years before the Philippines achieved independence. But his contributions continue to inspire future generations. Today he is remembered not only as a revolutionary leader but also as a pioneering journalist whose words ignited the flame of reform and justice in the country.