Emilio Jacinto: Brains of the Katipunan

Emilio Jacinto: Brains of the Katipunan

Another great Filipino who had very humble beginnings was Emilio Jacinto, the “Brains of the Katipunan”. He was born in Tondo on December 15, 1875. His parents, Mariano Jacinto and Josefa Dizon, were able to send Emilio to school in the midst of poverty . Emilio finished his college education at the San Juan de Letran College and University of Santo Tomas through diligence, thrift and perseverance.

He became the youngest member of the Katipunan when he joined the organization at the age of 18. He became Bonifacio’s right hand man and adviser. He was called the “Brains of Katipunan” because he wrote the Kartilla and other articles which guided the actuations of the members of the Katipunan. Aside from the Kartilla, Jacinto wrote Liwanag at Dilim (Light and Darkness), Pahayag (Manifesto), Sa Mga Kababayan Ko (To My Countrymen) and Ang Kasalanan ni Cain (Sin of Cain), under the pen name of Pingkian.

Jacinta was appointed commander – in – chief of the revolutionary forces in Laguna. While conducting a campaign against the Spaniards in Majayjay, Laguna, he was wounded in the battle. He died from infection on April 16, 1899, at the age 24.