On this day in Filipino history, December 1, 1870, the birth of Jose Alejandrino marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. Born to a prosperous couple from Arayat, Pampanga, in Binondo, Manila, Alejandrino would go on to become a prominent Filipino engineer and a key figure in General Emilio Aguinaldo’s revolutionary army.

Alejandrino’s educational pursuits commenced at the Ateneo Municipal and later extended to the University of Santo Tomas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.

His quest for knowledge led him to Spain and the University of Ghent in Belgium, where he achieved academic excellence.

Alongside fellow Filipino engineer Edilberto Evangelista, Alejandrino played an active role in the Propaganda Movement, advocating for political reforms in the Philippines. This period saw his involvement with La Solidaridad, the movement’s mouthpiece.

The close friendship between Alejandrino and Jose Rizal, the renowned national hero, bore witness to significant moments in history. Alejandrino played a crucial role in bringing Rizal’s masterpiece, El Filibusterismo, to the printing press.

As the Philippine Revolution unfolded, Alejandrino’s commitment deepened. In 1896, he embarked on a perilous mission to Hong Kong to secure arms for the revolutionaries. Subsequently, he traveled to Japan in 1897 to acquire additional weapons and supplies.

In 1898, Alejandrino contributed to the Malolos Congress, where he served on critical committees and later assumed the roles of director of agriculture and industry, chief engineer of the army, and acting Secretary of War under President Aguinaldo.

When the Philippine-American War erupted, Alejandrino aligned himself with General Antonio Luna, overseeing the construction of trenches in various strategic locations. Rising to the rank of brigadier-general, he took on roles such as acting Secretary of War, commanding general of military operations in Central Luzon, and military governor of Pampanga.

Alejandrino’s efforts extended beyond the battlefield. In 1899, he led a commission tasked with releasing American prisoners and engaging in talks with American military leaders to discuss the suspension of hostilities.

The tide turned against the revolutionaries, and in 1901, after enduring significant losses, General Alejandrino surrendered to General Funston. Despite initial reluctance, he was eventually released.

Post-war life saw Alejandrino briefly assume the position of second city engineer of Manila before retiring to a farmer’s life. In 1923, he was appointed Senator for Sulu and Mindanao. A decade later, he represented Pampanga’s second district in the Constitutional Convention.

General Jose Alejandrino’s account of the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine-American War, titled “La Senda del Sacrificio,” immortalizes the sacrifices made by noble revolutionaries striving for national freedom.

General Alejandrino passed away on June 1, 1951, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and dedication to the cause of Philippine independence.

References:
Larkin, John A. The Pampangans, Colonial Society in a Philippine Province, University of California Press, 1972 via the Philippine National Historical Commission.
Gwekoh, Sol. “Hall of Fame,” Manila Times, 1965-1966 via the Philippine National Historical Commission.
Cornejo, M.R. Commonwealth Directory of the Philippines, 1939 via the Philippine National Historical Commission.

(JR AMIGO/AI/MNM)