A tribute to Fr. Jose Burgos, Filipino martyr who championed the cause of the native clergy, on the occasion of his birth and death anniversary which falls in the month of February (Feb 9, 1837 – Feb 17, 1872)
Dr Abe V Rotor
The author (holding trophy) and family pose with provincial leaders led by Governor Ryan Singson (4th from right) after receiving the Fr Jose Burgos Achievement award.A Reprint (PNA) Feb 4, 2015
Award conferred on Ilocano scientist, 12 others in ongoing 2015 Kannawidan Ylocos Festival
VIGAN CITY, Feb.4 (PNA) — A well-known Ilocano book author and scientist led 13 sons and daughters of Ilocos Sur who made their province proud in their chosen fields of endeavor received this year’s prestigious “Father Jose Burgos Awards” from Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis Singson.
Singson conferred the Father Jose Burgos achievement award on Dr. Abercio Rotor, a native of San Vicente, Ilocos Sur in a simple rite Sunday at the President Quirino Stadium during the on-going 8th Kannawidan Ylocos Festival in Vigan, which began January 29 and will end February 13. 2015 Fr Jose P Burgos Achievement Awardees with provincial officials of Ilocos Sur. Dr Rotor is seen at the center, uppermost row.
Rotor was an award-winning author of “The Living with Nature Handbook” (Gintong Aklat Award 2003) and “Living with Nature in Our Times” (National Book Award 2008).
Rotor is presently professor of the University of Santo Tomas; school-on-air instructor, (Paaralang Bayan sa Himpapawid, winner of Gawad Oscar Florendo for Development Communication) DZRB 738 KHzAM Band, 8 to 9 o’clock evening, Monday to Friday.), an outstanding teacher in the Philippines (Commission on Higher Education – CHED 2002); a Filipino scientist (DOST-Batong Balani);
He was also former director of the National Food Authority and consultant on food and agriculture of the Senate of the Philippines.
Other Father Burgos Awardees were Dr. Florencio Padernal, the incumbent administrator of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), for public service; Justice Mansueto Villon, for foreign service; Rowena Adalla, for education; Leonardo Aguinaldo, for arts; Danilo Bautista, for Iluko literature; Professor Ocarna Figuerres, for education and research; Dr. Samson Sol Flores, for dentistry and philanthropy; and Professor Mario Obrero, for education and research.
Special Father Jose Burgos awardees were given to Engineer Alberto Balbalan and family, model OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker of Burgos, Ilocos Sur; Amelita Daproza, for agriculture; Lovely Ann Joy Lazo and Samantha Gloria Singson, both for academics.
Singson said that this year’s awardees were some of the Ilocos Surians, who have excelled in their fields of expertise and whose achievements will continue to inspire the young generations in the province.
The conferment of the Father Jose Burgos Award, the most prestigious award for residents- achievers from Ilocos Sur, started in 2008 under the term of then Governor Deogracias Victor B. Savellano which was made as one of the main highlights in the first Kannawidan Ylocos Festival that commemorated the 190th foundation day of Ilocos Sur as separate province by virtue of a Spanish Royal Decree on February 2, 1818. (PNA)
Father Jose Burgos - Idealist, Scholar and Hero. He opened the gateway to Philippine Independence from Spain
I am transported back in history as I receive this prestigious award, 143 years ago to be exact; there I see a very young Filipino priest, together with two other priests, being garroted to death. I cry with my heart out to stop the barbaric, dastardly act. But then I realize what martyrdom truly means, and that is, death brings forth a new beginning, a new life, new hope from the cause for which the martyr gives his life.
--------------------
Burgos was the last, a refinement of cruelty that compelled him to watch the death of his companions. He seated himself on the iron rest and then sprang up crying: “But what crime have I committed? Is it possible that I should die like this. My God, is there no justice on earth?”
Burgos was the last, a refinement of cruelty that compelled him to watch the death of his companions. He seated himself on the iron rest and then sprang up crying: “But what crime have I committed? Is it possible that I should die like this. My God, is there no justice on earth?”
A dozen friars surrounded him and pressed him down again upon the seat of the garrote, pleading with him to die a Christian death. He obeyed but, feeling his arms tied round the fatal post, protested once again: “But I am innocent!”
“So was Jesus Christ,’ said one of the friars.” At this Burgos resigned himself. The executioner knelt at his feet and asked his forgiveness. “I forgive you, my son. Do your duty.” And it was done.
(Veneracion quotes Leon Ma. Guerrero’s The First Filipino: “We are told that the crowd, seeing the executioner fall to his knees, suddenly did the same, saying the prayers to the dying. Many Spaniards thought it was the beginning of an attack and fled panic-stricken to the Walled City.”)
-----------------------------------
As I stand at the foot of his monument today, I feel unworthy of the cause Father Burgos gave his life. His name forever lives in the annals of history not only for his countrymen, but for all peoples of the world. His death stirred a revolution that paved the way to Philippine independence from Spanish colonialism. It marked the beginning of a new era – the end of colonization, followed by the birth of new nations.
Execution of the three priests, Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora by garrote
I trace his roots Father Burgos in Vigan, the provincial capital of Ilocos Sur, now a UNESCO World Heritage city. Our hero’s home is now a veritable museum; a plaza is dedicated to him, at the center rises his monument, his statue pensive and scholarly, indeed a pose reminiscent of his outstanding academic record at San Juan de Letran and University of Santo Tomas where he earned three baccalaureate degrees and two doctorate degrees, with a third for final completion. Indeed this achievement serves to inspire our youth today to study hard and give education the highest priority.
What crime did our hero commit to deserve capital punishment and justify his death? We can only surmise who the victim is in a master-slave society. Burgos stood for and on behalf of his fellow Filipino clergy against abuses and discrimination by Spanish friars, which was taken as a serious threat to the Spanish government and grave offence to the church hierarchy. Burgos implication in a mutiny in nearby Cavite, sealed his fate. He was placed in a mock trial and summarily executed in Bagumbayan, now Luneta, along two other clergymen. When dawn broke on the 17th of February there were almost forty thousand of Filipinos (who came from as far as Bulakan, Pampanga, Kabite and Laguna) surrounding the four platforms where the three priests and the man whose testimony had convicted them, a former artilleryman called Saldua, would die.
Execution Scene by an Eyewitness
I imagine the scene of the execution from the account of a witness, Frenchman Edmund Plauchut, when Burgos, the last to die after seeing his two compatriots met their death suddenly stood from the garrote seat shouting, “What crime have I committed to deserve such a death? Is there no justice in the world?” Twelve friars of different orders restrained him and push him back into seat, advising him to accept a Christian death. Burgos calmed down, but went on again shouting, “But I haven’t committed any crime!” At this point, one of the friars holding him down hissed, “Even Christ was innocent!” Burgos finally gave in to the executioners who broke his neck with one swift and sudden twist of the garrote handle.
It is a re-enactment of Christ’s passion and death, except that the leaders of the church are the very persecutors! Christ was killed by his enemies, Burgos by his friends and colleagues!
Burgos as Outstanding Thomasian
Burgos’ death opened the road to freedom from the Spanish colonial masters. But what is the relevance of Burgos’ martyrdom today? I ask my students at the University of Santo Tomas where Burgos was an alumnus and professor. They hold high esteem for Burgos as a great man and hero like Rizal, also a UST alumnus, as an exemplary model in the pursuit of education, and higher education at that. Burgos was not only a very good student, he taught us that there is no end to learning. Thus the importance of a continuing education is a way of life. My co-professors also uphold the idea that the pursuit of knowledge on the level of philosophy elevates the learned person on the highest level of scholarship. This is where knowledge transforms into wisdom. Philosophy is love of knowledge, an extraordinary discipline open to all.
------“So was Jesus Christ,’ said one of the friars.” At this Burgos resigned himself. The executioner knelt at his feet and asked his forgiveness. “I forgive you, my son. Do your duty.” And it was done.
(Veneracion quotes Leon Ma. Guerrero’s The First Filipino: “We are told that the crowd, seeing the executioner fall to his knees, suddenly did the same, saying the prayers to the dying. Many Spaniards thought it was the beginning of an attack and fled panic-stricken to the Walled City.”)
-----------------------------------
As I stand at the foot of his monument today, I feel unworthy of the cause Father Burgos gave his life. His name forever lives in the annals of history not only for his countrymen, but for all peoples of the world. His death stirred a revolution that paved the way to Philippine independence from Spanish colonialism. It marked the beginning of a new era – the end of colonization, followed by the birth of new nations.
It is this incident with acronym GOMBURZA (Gomez, Burgos and Zamora for the three martyrs) that virtually started the Philippine Revolution. It was later inflamed by the power of the pen of Jose Rizal, our national hero, followed by armed mass uprising led by Andres Bonifacio, consequently the raising of the first Philippine flag by Emilio Aguinaldo.
Execution of the three priests, Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora by garrote
I trace his roots Father Burgos in Vigan, the provincial capital of Ilocos Sur, now a UNESCO World Heritage city. Our hero’s home is now a veritable museum; a plaza is dedicated to him, at the center rises his monument, his statue pensive and scholarly, indeed a pose reminiscent of his outstanding academic record at San Juan de Letran and University of Santo Tomas where he earned three baccalaureate degrees and two doctorate degrees, with a third for final completion. Indeed this achievement serves to inspire our youth today to study hard and give education the highest priority.
What crime did our hero commit to deserve capital punishment and justify his death? We can only surmise who the victim is in a master-slave society. Burgos stood for and on behalf of his fellow Filipino clergy against abuses and discrimination by Spanish friars, which was taken as a serious threat to the Spanish government and grave offence to the church hierarchy. Burgos implication in a mutiny in nearby Cavite, sealed his fate. He was placed in a mock trial and summarily executed in Bagumbayan, now Luneta, along two other clergymen. When dawn broke on the 17th of February there were almost forty thousand of Filipinos (who came from as far as Bulakan, Pampanga, Kabite and Laguna) surrounding the four platforms where the three priests and the man whose testimony had convicted them, a former artilleryman called Saldua, would die.
Execution Scene by an Eyewitness
I imagine the scene of the execution from the account of a witness, Frenchman Edmund Plauchut, when Burgos, the last to die after seeing his two compatriots met their death suddenly stood from the garrote seat shouting, “What crime have I committed to deserve such a death? Is there no justice in the world?” Twelve friars of different orders restrained him and push him back into seat, advising him to accept a Christian death. Burgos calmed down, but went on again shouting, “But I haven’t committed any crime!” At this point, one of the friars holding him down hissed, “Even Christ was innocent!” Burgos finally gave in to the executioners who broke his neck with one swift and sudden twist of the garrote handle.
It is a re-enactment of Christ’s passion and death, except that the leaders of the church are the very persecutors! Christ was killed by his enemies, Burgos by his friends and colleagues!
Burgos as Outstanding Thomasian
Burgos’ death opened the road to freedom from the Spanish colonial masters. But what is the relevance of Burgos’ martyrdom today? I ask my students at the University of Santo Tomas where Burgos was an alumnus and professor. They hold high esteem for Burgos as a great man and hero like Rizal, also a UST alumnus, as an exemplary model in the pursuit of education, and higher education at that. Burgos was not only a very good student, he taught us that there is no end to learning. Thus the importance of a continuing education is a way of life. My co-professors also uphold the idea that the pursuit of knowledge on the level of philosophy elevates the learned person on the highest level of scholarship. This is where knowledge transforms into wisdom. Philosophy is love of knowledge, an extraordinary discipline open to all.
GOMBURZA at the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan MM
The name Burgos is enshrined in eight municipalities in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, La Union, Pangasinan, Quezon, Southern Leyte and Surigao del Norte. There are also roads, schools, organizations named after him.
-------------------------
“Burgos’ nationalist views, codified in editorials, essays, championing political and ecclesiastic reforms in favor of empowering more native clergymen, made him a target of opposition to civil authorities.” – The True Life of Jose Burgos (Ang Tunay na Buhay ni Jose Burgos.)
-------------------------
As one of the most important events in Philippine history the significance of GOMBURZA is taught in schools. History books by Teodoro Agoncillo, Gregorio Zaide, et al point to this event important in arousing national consciousness for freedom. It influenced Filipino leaders to carry on the great task, among them Rizal who dedicated his second novel, El Filibusterismo to Burgos.
Burgos' Influence on Rizal and Jacinto
In Rizal's letter 18 APRIL 1889 to Mariano Ponce, another compatriot, he said, “Without 1872 (GOMBURZA execution) there would not now be a Plaridel, a Jaena, a Sanciangco, nor would the brave and generous Filipino comrades exist in Europe." Without 1872 Rizal imagined he would now be a Jesuit and instead of writing the Noli Me Tangere, would have written the contrary. "At the sight of those injustices and cruelties, though still a child, my imagination awoke, and I swore to dedicate myself to avenge one day so many victims. With this idea I have gone on studying, and this can be read in all my works and writings. God will grant me one day to fulfill my promise.”
On April 30, 1896 at the height of The Philippine Revolution General Emilio Jacinto recalled the GOMBURZA Execution. Author Jim Richardson wrote: “The day that Gomez, Burgos and Zamora were executed, writes Jacinto, was a day of degradation and wretchedness. Twenty-four years had since passed, but the excruciating wound inflicted that day on Tagalog hearts had never healed; the bleeding had never been staunched. Though the lives of the three priests had been extinguished that day, their legacy would endure forever. Their compatriots would honor their memory, and would seek to emulate their pursuit of truth and justice. As yet, Jacinto acknowledges, some were not fully ready to embrace those ideals, either because they failed to appreciate the need for solidarity and unity or because their minds were still clouded by the smoke of a mendacious Church. But those who could no longer tolerate oppression were now looking forward to a different way of life, to a splendid new dawn.”
Father Jose Burgos Achievement Awards
Burgos’ is honored in an annual celebration KANNAWIDAN (Heritage) in his birthplace Vigan which honors the province’s outstanding sons and daughters with Father Jose Burgos Achievement Awards and Recognition, dubbed the Nobel Prize among Ilocanos, in like manner the Ramon Masaysay Award is regarded as the Nobel Prize of Asia.
Where are the Writings of Burgos?
There are 44 known works of Burgos, mostly unpublished and unlocated, 12 were in manuscripts and preserved in Luis Araneta collection in Manila. Topics gleamed from the titles include the following (translated from Spanish):
1. Shells in the Philippines
2. History of Roman Religion in the Philippines and its Mysteries
3. State of the Philippines at the arrival of the Spaniard
4. Studies on Philippine life in prehistoric time
5. What is a Friar?
6. What is the Bible and how to interpret is
7. Studies of archaeology of Manila at the arrival of the Spaniards
8. Philippine stories and legends
9. Corruption bathed in blood in the Roman religion
10. Religion vs Science (annotated by Rizal?)
11. How religions are formed
12. Are Miracles True?
13. Can religion make man better?
14. Studies of fishing in the Philippines,
15. Philippine Kings,
16. Mysteries of the Holy Inquisition in the Philippines,
17. Reforms necessary for the country,
18. Is the end of the world at hand?
19. Cultivation of intelligence in this country,
20. Comparative study of savage rituals, Crime in old Manila
But where are the original manuscripts? Why weren’t they printed and translated. Was it part of the silencing of this great Filipino Scholar? Allegedly too, Burgos' works were faked to the extent probably to discredit him and erase his name from any significant aftermath to the Spanish government and the church. Discovered as fake is La Loba Negra ( Black She-Wolf), printed and made into a play and dance.
Burgos rekindled Liberty. Equality and Fraternity,
the trilogy of the French Revolution of 1789
The life and death of Jose Burgos rekindles the trilogy of the French Revolution 100 years before. Liberty, Equality, Fraternity was a battle cry for ten years until the Monarchy toppled. The triad became the foundation of constitutions of a number of countries including the US and the Philippines. In effect, the martyrdom of Burgos, Rizal et al, brought a new meaning of the trilogy in contemporary society. GOMBURZA paved the way to Philippine Independence from Spain, and continued to inspire Filipinos onward. Today we face threats to that cause locally and globally, a test whether or not we have truly imbibed the timeless great lessons from our great heroes.
References:
1. Life and Works of the Three Martyred priests GOMBURZA
2. The True Life of Jose Burgos (Ang Tunay na Buhay ni Jose Burgos.)
3. Ambeth Ocampo, The Incredible Father Burgos
4. Leon Ma. Guerrero, The First Filipino
-------------------------
“Burgos’ nationalist views, codified in editorials, essays, championing political and ecclesiastic reforms in favor of empowering more native clergymen, made him a target of opposition to civil authorities.” – The True Life of Jose Burgos (Ang Tunay na Buhay ni Jose Burgos.)
-------------------------
As one of the most important events in Philippine history the significance of GOMBURZA is taught in schools. History books by Teodoro Agoncillo, Gregorio Zaide, et al point to this event important in arousing national consciousness for freedom. It influenced Filipino leaders to carry on the great task, among them Rizal who dedicated his second novel, El Filibusterismo to Burgos.
Burgos' Influence on Rizal and Jacinto
In Rizal's letter 18 APRIL 1889 to Mariano Ponce, another compatriot, he said, “Without 1872 (GOMBURZA execution) there would not now be a Plaridel, a Jaena, a Sanciangco, nor would the brave and generous Filipino comrades exist in Europe." Without 1872 Rizal imagined he would now be a Jesuit and instead of writing the Noli Me Tangere, would have written the contrary. "At the sight of those injustices and cruelties, though still a child, my imagination awoke, and I swore to dedicate myself to avenge one day so many victims. With this idea I have gone on studying, and this can be read in all my works and writings. God will grant me one day to fulfill my promise.”
On April 30, 1896 at the height of The Philippine Revolution General Emilio Jacinto recalled the GOMBURZA Execution. Author Jim Richardson wrote: “The day that Gomez, Burgos and Zamora were executed, writes Jacinto, was a day of degradation and wretchedness. Twenty-four years had since passed, but the excruciating wound inflicted that day on Tagalog hearts had never healed; the bleeding had never been staunched. Though the lives of the three priests had been extinguished that day, their legacy would endure forever. Their compatriots would honor their memory, and would seek to emulate their pursuit of truth and justice. As yet, Jacinto acknowledges, some were not fully ready to embrace those ideals, either because they failed to appreciate the need for solidarity and unity or because their minds were still clouded by the smoke of a mendacious Church. But those who could no longer tolerate oppression were now looking forward to a different way of life, to a splendid new dawn.”
Father Jose Burgos Achievement Awards
Burgos’ is honored in an annual celebration KANNAWIDAN (Heritage) in his birthplace Vigan which honors the province’s outstanding sons and daughters with Father Jose Burgos Achievement Awards and Recognition, dubbed the Nobel Prize among Ilocanos, in like manner the Ramon Masaysay Award is regarded as the Nobel Prize of Asia.
Where are the Writings of Burgos?
There are 44 known works of Burgos, mostly unpublished and unlocated, 12 were in manuscripts and preserved in Luis Araneta collection in Manila. Topics gleamed from the titles include the following (translated from Spanish):
1. Shells in the Philippines
2. History of Roman Religion in the Philippines and its Mysteries
3. State of the Philippines at the arrival of the Spaniard
4. Studies on Philippine life in prehistoric time
5. What is a Friar?
6. What is the Bible and how to interpret is
7. Studies of archaeology of Manila at the arrival of the Spaniards
8. Philippine stories and legends
9. Corruption bathed in blood in the Roman religion
10. Religion vs Science (annotated by Rizal?)
11. How religions are formed
12. Are Miracles True?
13. Can religion make man better?
14. Studies of fishing in the Philippines,
15. Philippine Kings,
16. Mysteries of the Holy Inquisition in the Philippines,
17. Reforms necessary for the country,
18. Is the end of the world at hand?
19. Cultivation of intelligence in this country,
20. Comparative study of savage rituals, Crime in old Manila
But where are the original manuscripts? Why weren’t they printed and translated. Was it part of the silencing of this great Filipino Scholar? Allegedly too, Burgos' works were faked to the extent probably to discredit him and erase his name from any significant aftermath to the Spanish government and the church. Discovered as fake is La Loba Negra ( Black She-Wolf), printed and made into a play and dance.
Burgos rekindled Liberty. Equality and Fraternity,
the trilogy of the French Revolution of 1789
The life and death of Jose Burgos rekindles the trilogy of the French Revolution 100 years before. Liberty, Equality, Fraternity was a battle cry for ten years until the Monarchy toppled. The triad became the foundation of constitutions of a number of countries including the US and the Philippines. In effect, the martyrdom of Burgos, Rizal et al, brought a new meaning of the trilogy in contemporary society. GOMBURZA paved the way to Philippine Independence from Spain, and continued to inspire Filipinos onward. Today we face threats to that cause locally and globally, a test whether or not we have truly imbibed the timeless great lessons from our great heroes.
References:
1. Life and Works of the Three Martyred priests GOMBURZA
2. The True Life of Jose Burgos (Ang Tunay na Buhay ni Jose Burgos.)
3. Ambeth Ocampo, The Incredible Father Burgos
4. Leon Ma. Guerrero, The First Filipino
NOTE: The author studied in Vigan for his high school at the Colegio de la Imaculada Conception, now Divine Word College of Vigan. He is a native and resident of San Vicente, a town three kilometers west of now Metro Vigan, a UNESCO Heritage City.
No comments:
Post a Comment