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The-First-Cry

The First Cry of the Revolution marks the beginning of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule in 1896, led by Andres Bonifacio. There is debate over whether this event occurred in Pugad Lawin on August 23 or Balintawak on August 26, with evidence supporting both claims from key figures in the Katipunan. Ultimately, the recognition of Pugad Lawin as the site of the First Cry emphasizes its symbolic significance in the fight for Philippine independence.

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8 views3 pages

The-First-Cry

The First Cry of the Revolution marks the beginning of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule in 1896, led by Andres Bonifacio. There is debate over whether this event occurred in Pugad Lawin on August 23 or Balintawak on August 26, with evidence supporting both claims from key figures in the Katipunan. Ultimately, the recognition of Pugad Lawin as the site of the First Cry emphasizes its symbolic significance in the fight for Philippine independence.

Uploaded by

wxynzorjimenez
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The First Cry of the Revolution

The First Cry represents a symbolic and significant act marking the beginning of the Philippine
Revolution against Spanish colonial rule in 1896. This event involved the tearing of the cedulas
(residence certificates), led by Andres Bonifacio, Supremo of the Kataastaasang, Kagalanggalangang
Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK).

The controversy surrounding the First Cry lies in its location and date:

• Did it happen in Pugad Lawin on August 23, 1896?

• Or did it occur in Balintawak on August 26, 1896?

In this report, we will delve into the evidence supporting each claim to better understand this pivotal
moment in Philippine history.

Claim 1: Pugad Lawin on August 23, 1896

Source: The Revolt of the Masses: The Story of Bonifacio and the Katipunan

• Published: 1956
• Author: Teodoro A. Agoncillo

Evidence/Sources: Pio Valenzuela’s Memoirs (1948)

o Valenzuela, a close associate of Bonifacio and a prominent member of the Katipunan,


recounted that the Cry occurred in Pugad Lawin on August 23, 1896. In his memoir, he
described Bonifacio gathering the Katipuneros and tearing their cedulas as a declaration of
rebellion against Spanish rule.

Credibility Valenzuela was a direct participant in the events, making his account highly valuable.
However, his memoirs were written 52 years after the Cry, raising concerns about memory lapses or
retrospective bias. Despite this, Valenzuela’s close relationship with Bonifacio and his detailed
descriptions in his memoir lend credibility to his testimony.

• Agoncillo’s reliance on primary sources and focus on nationalist narratives strengthens the validity
of his argument.

Insights from Agoncillo

Agoncillo emphasized that tearing the cedulas was a symbolic act marking the formal start of the
revolution. He argued that Pugad Lawin was the correct location based on Valenzuela’s descriptions
(oral and written accounts) and Katipunan records.
Significance

Agoncillo’s interpretation shaped the official recognition of the first cry. It was instrumental in President
Diosdado Macapagal’s 1963 declaration of Pugad Lawin as the site of the First Cry. This decision
underscored the event’s importance as the birth of the Philippine Revolution.

Claim 2: Balintawak on August 26, 1896

Source: History of the Katipunan and the Philippine Revolution

• Published: 1939
• Author: Gregorio F. Zaide

Evidence and Sources: Guillermo Masangkay’s Testimony

o Masangkay, a fellow Katipunan leader and ally of Bonifacio, testified that the Cry occurred in
Balintawak on August 26, 1896. His account is one of the earliest, often cited in early 20th-
century historical records.

Credibility

• Masangkay’s testimony has been questioned for inconsistencies in his later statements. Some
historians suggest his accounts were influenced by the political context of the time, as Balintawak
was more recognizable than Pugad Lawin to the general public.

Insights Zaide based his conclusions on early testimonies, particularly those of Guillermo Masangkay,
who claimed the Cry occurred in Balintawak. Zaide aligned with older narratives that placed significant
revolutionary events in Balintawak, which was a well-known landmark during that time.

Significance

Zaide’s work reflects the traditional narrative taught in schools for decades. While his reliance on
politicized sources has drawn criticism, it underscores Balintawak’s association with the broader
revolutionary movement.
Conclusion

1. Pugad Lawin Claim(August 23, 1896)


o Backed by Valenzuela’s oral and written account and nationalist scholarship, this date
emphasizes the formal declaration of rebellion through the symbolic tearing of the
cedulas.
2. Balintawak (August 26, 1896):
o Supported by Masangkay’s memory-based testimony, this date reflects early narratives
shaped by American-era records.

The official recognition of Pugad Lawin as the site of the First Cry was the result of thorough historical
research conducted by the Philippine Historical Commission (now the NHCP) during the 1950s and
1960s. Testimonies, oral histories, and scholarly validation weighed heavily in favor of Pugad Lawin as
the symbolic birthplace of the Philippine Revolution.

Despite the controversy of the first cry, it is important to keep in mind that more than its date or location,
we should be more focus on its essence instead. First Cry symbolizes the Filipinos’ defiance against
colonial oppression and their unity in the fight for independence. The act of tearing the cedulas was not
just a rejection of Spanish rule but also a call for courage and collective action, marking the start of a
revolution that would eventually pave the way for Philippine sovereignty.

Ending:

That’s all, once again, we are group 3 and thank you for listening!

Punitin and cedula! Mabuhay Pilipinas!

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