Mighty Magulang: Ladislao Diwa

Summary

Ladislao Diwa, born on June 27, 1863, in Cavite, was a pivotal figure in the Philippine Revolution. A law graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, he became friends with Andrés Bonifacio and Theodoro Plata, joining La Liga Filipina and later co-founding the secret revolutionary society, the Katipunan, in 1892. He helped expand the movement across multiple provinces, actively fought against Spanish and later American forces, and served as Cavite's first civil governor under the First Philippine Republic. Diwa also held judicial and educational roles in his later years. Remembered for his patriotism and selflessness, his legacy continues to honor the sacrifices of unsung heroes of Philippine independence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lis La Diwa was born on June 27, 1863, in San Roque, Cavite, to parents Mariano Diwa and Cecilia Noon Diwa.
• 😀 He studied law at the University of Santo Tomas and became involved in political activism with Andres Bonifacio.
• 😀 Diwa, Bonifacio, and Theodoro Plata were key figures in distributing propaganda and spreading revolutionary ideas.
• 😀 After finishing his law studies, Diwa worked as a clerk in a court in the province of Kapas, Tarlac.
• 😀 Diwa became Secretary of La Liga Filipina after the arrest and exile of its founder, Jose Rizal.
• 😀 In 1892, Diwa, Bonifacio, and others founded a secret society called the Katipunan, aiming for armed rebellion against Spanish rule.
• 😀 He was involved in expanding the Katipunan in regions like Bulacan, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija, swearing in key leaders like Francisco Macabulos.
• 😀 Diwa was arrested in August 1896 and imprisoned at Fort Santiago but was later released through a prisoner exchange.
• 😀 After his release, Diwa joined the revolutionary forces under Mariano Trias in Cavite, becoming a Colonel in the Filipino army.
• 😀 Diwa served as the first civil governor of Cavite after the establishment of the First Philippine Republic and fought against American forces during the Philippine-American War.
• 😀 After the war, Diwa became a clerk in the Court of First Instance of Cavite and later worked as an educator until his retirement in Tagaytay and Mendez.
• 😀 Diwa was married twice: first to Delisa Dandan, with whom he had three children, and later to Onorata Crini, with whom he had five children.
• 😀 Diwa's daughter, Betty, married Brigadier General Ben Ewen, and the Matan Air Base was renamed in his honor.
• 😀 Diwa passed away in 1930 at the age of 66, and his memory was honored by the newspaper *La Vanguardia* for his contributions to Philippine freedom.

Q & A

Who was Ladislao Diwa and what is his significance in Philippine history?

Ladislao Diwa was a Filipino revolutionary leader born in 1863 in San Roque, Cavite. He played a key role in the Philippine independence movement as one of the founding members of the Katipunan, a secret society that sought to overthrow Spanish colonial rule. Diwa contributed significantly to the armed struggle for independence and later became involved in the political leadership of Cavite.

Where did Ladislao Diwa study and what did he major in?

Ladislao Diwa studied at the University of Santo Tomas and the Colegio de San Juan de Letran, where he pursued a degree in law.

How did Ladislao Diwa become involved with the Katipunan?

Diwa became involved with the Katipunan after befriending Andres Bonifacio, another key figure in the revolution. They met while distributing propaganda materials at the University of Santo Tomas. Diwa, Bonifacio, and other members founded the Katipunan on July 7, 1892, which sought to achieve Philippine independence through an armed uprising.

What role did Diwa play in the Katipunan and in the fight against Spanish rule?

Diwa was a central figure in the Katipunan and its operations. He helped expand the movement in various provinces like Bulacan, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija, and was responsible for swearing in Francisco Macabulos, one of the most successful generals of the Katipunan. He also fought in the Philippine Revolution and played a leadership role in the military and political organization of the revolutionary government.

What was the significance of the secret society founded by Diwa and his associates?

The secret society founded by Diwa and his associates, the Katipunan, played a crucial role in organizing the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. It was a movement aimed at securing reforms and eventually independence through armed struggle. The society's efforts led to significant uprisings, including the Battle of Manila in 1896.

How did Ladislao Diwa contribute to the defense of Cavite during the revolution?

Diwa actively participated in combat, initially joining Mariano Trias' revolutionary forces. He was promoted to Colonel and helped defend Cavite, which was one of the strongholds of the Philippine Revolution. Diwa's leadership contributed to the organization and coordination of military efforts in Cavite and beyond.

What was Diwa's role in the First Philippine Republic?

When the First Philippine Republic was established, Ladislao Diwa was named the first civil governor of Cavite. He took on administrative responsibilities and helped organize the civil structure of the newly formed government.

What happened to Ladislao Diwa after the Philippine-American War?

After the Philippine-American War, Diwa surrendered when Emilio Aguinaldo was captured by American forces. He later became a government employee under the American regime, serving as a Clerk of Court for the Court of First Instance in Cavite. Diwa also became an educator before retiring to his farm.

What did Ladislao Diwa's family life look like?

Ladislao Diwa was married twice. His first wife, Delisa Dandan, bore him three children, while his second wife, Onorata Crini, gave him five children. His daughter Betty later married Brigadier General Ben Ewen.

How did the Philippine press honor Ladislao Diwa after his death?

After Diwa passed away in 1930 at the age of 66, the newspaper *La Vanguardia* published an editorial honoring his contributions to Philippine independence. The editorial emphasized the importance of remembering the unnamed heroes of the revolution, like Diwa, who contributed to the nation's freedom and progress through self-sacrifice.