“When will there be an Aguinaldo monument like that of Rizal?” That was the question General Emilio Aguinaldo posed to President Diosdado Macapagal in 1962. The president couldn’t answer it then.
Today we stand before the Gen Emilio Aguinaldo Monument a tribute to a pivotal figure in Philippine history. He wished for a monument like Rizal’s. Let’s delve into the story of Gen Emilio Aguinaldo the first president of the Philippines.
Gen Emilio Aguinaldo was born on March 22 1869 in Cavite el Viejo now Kawit. His parents Carlos Aguinaldo and Trinidad Famy were a well-to-do couple. His father was the community’s gobernadorcillo or municipal governor. Emilio studied at Colegio de San Juan de Letran. However a cholera outbreak in 1882 interrupted his studies.
In 1895 Gen Emilio Aguinaldo became a cabeza de barangay. At 25 he was Cavite el Viejo’s first gobernadorcillo capitan municipal. This happened while he was on a business trip in Mindoro.
The Philippine Revolution began in August 1896. Gen Emilio Aguinaldo and other Cavite rebels initially hesitated due to lack of arms. On August 31 1896 Aguinaldo led the Kawit Revolt. He marched on the town center with his army of bolomen. He ordered his men not to kill anyone in his hometown. The guards surprised surrendered immediately. The Katipuneros captured and armed themselves. This revolt was a major success. They raised the Magdalo flag at the town hall.
In August 1896 coordinated attacks sparked the revolution in Manila. Gen Emilio Aguinaldo marched from Kawit with 600 men. They launched skirmishes at Imus. On September 1 with Captain Jose Tagle they laid siege to Imus. Brigadier-General Ernesto de Aguirre led a Spanish relief column from Manila. Aguirre’s troops were inadequate. Aguinaldo counterattacked suffering heavy losses. Aguirre retreated to Manila for reinforcements. On September 3 Aguirre returned with 3000 men. The rebels fired on them at Isabel II Bridge. The Spanish force was routed. Aguinaldo carried Aguirre’s abandoned sword in future battles.
In November 1896 Governor-General Ramón Blanco y Erenas sent the 4th Battalion of Cazadores from Spain. They carried 1328 men and 55 officers. Blanco also sent 8000 men from Cuba and Spain. Spanish naval raids bombarded revolutionary fortifications in Cavite. Noveleta and Binakayan were heavily fortified. Magdiwang soldiers commanded by General Santiago Alvarez defended Dalahican and Dagatan shores. Magdalo soldiers under Gen Emilio Aguinaldo fortified Binakayan. The Filipinos decisively defeated the Spanish forces. This was the first major victory over a colonial power.
On February 13 1897 Gen Emilio Aguinaldo ordered soldiers to plant dynamite at Zapote Bridge. They placed bamboo sticks in the riverbeds. 12000 Spaniards crossed the bridge. The dynamite detonated killing and injuring many. The rebels fought hand to hand repelling enemy troops. Cavite became the Revolution’s hotbed.
On June 12 1898 Gen Emilio Aguinaldo declared Philippine Independence from his mansion in Cavite El Viejo. He believed this would inspire Filipinos. On June 18 he established his dictatorial government.
Gen Emilio Aguinaldo’s story is complex. Some see him as a hero. Others view him critically. Regardless his impact on Philippine history is undeniable. The Gen Emilio Aguinaldo Monument stands as a reminder of his role in shaping the nation. It prompts us to reflect on his legacy and the struggles for freedom.